Montana's Reaction To The Fall Of France In 1940

Abstract

This change in American society from isolationist to one that might intervene was caused by the fall of France. The realization that America was vulnerable to Hitler prompted many Montanans to turn away from isolationism. The fear that the war inspired helped lead to the passage of much of the legislation that would ultimately protect the United States and prepare it for war. This legislation included the Conscription Act, the Base-Destroyer Deal, and Lend-Lease. All of these actions affected every Montana citizen and changed the political thinking of the time. With the fall of France, many Montanans became aware that America might have to fight against Hitler or face that same fate that had befallen France.