What was the purpose of the Lend-Lease Act passed in 1941?

The Lend-Lease Act, passed in 1941, aimed to provide military and economic assistance to nations deemed vital to the defense of the United States. As World War II intensified and the threat from Axis powers grew, the United States sought ways to support its allies without direct military involvement. The act allowed the U.S. to send an array of supplies—ranging from munitions and food to tanks and aircraft—to countries such as the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and China, which were fighting against the Axis powers.

By facilitating this aid, the Lend-Lease Act played a crucial role in bolstering the capabilities of these nations, thereby enhancing their ability to resist aggression and contributing indirectly to U.S. security. This strategic support reflected a shift in U.S. foreign policy from isolationism to a more interventionist stance as the nation recognized the threats posed by totalitarian regimes in Europe and Asia.