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

The significance of the Lend-Lease Act passed in 1941 lies in its provision that allowed the United States to supply military aid to its allies without requiring immediate payment. This act was a crucial shift in U.S. foreign policy during World War II, as it enabled the U.S. to support nations like Great Britain and later the Soviet Union in their fight against Axis powers. By allowing the transfer of arms, ammunition, and other supplies on the basis of mutual defense, the Lend-Lease Act effectively positioned the U.S. as the "arsenal of democracy," fostering deeper ties between the U.S. and its allies, while also securing its own interests in global stability.

This policy also reflected a growing realization that aiding allies was essential not just for their survival, but also for the defense of the United States itself. The resources supplied under the act were instrumental in sustaining the war effort until the U.S. formally entered the conflict following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The Lend-Lease Act set a precedent for American involvement in international conflicts as a leader in cooperative defense efforts, laying the groundwork for post-war alliances and organizations.