What was the primary intent of the Lend-Lease program?

The primary intent of the Lend-Lease program was to assist governments in maintaining their sovereignty during World War II by providing them with necessary military supplies and support. Initiated in March 1941, the program was designed to help Allied nations, particularly Britain and later the Soviet Union, by supplying them with food, ammunition, ships, and aircraft, thereby helping to bolster their defenses against Axis powers.

This program was pivotal in allowing the United States to support its allies without formally entering the war initially. By providing military aid, the U.S. aimed to ensure that these governments could continue to resist Axis aggression, thereby contributing to the broader effort of defeating fascism while also preparing the United States for its eventual involvement in WWII.

The other options do not accurately capture the purpose of the Lend-Lease program, as it was not focused on establishing military bases abroad, dismantling military alliances, or providing weapons to Axis powers. Instead, it was fundamentally about strengthening Allied countries in their struggle against totalitarian regimes.