History - War at a Glance

Germany and Italy Declare War on the United States In support of their Axis ally Japan, Germany and Italy declare war on the United States on December 11. In the United States, Congress responds by approving President Roosevelt’s request for a declaration of war against Germany and Italy. This is one of the biggest mistakes Germany makes during the war. Until this time, the outcome of the war in Europe is still very much in doubt. Roosevelt’s Lend-Lease program has kept the Allies in the war, but now the full weight of America’s industrial power can be brought to bear. More importantly, the American armed forces will add fresh troops to the battle-thinned ranks of the Allied armies. However, the United States faces a dilemma - how to fight a war on two fronts.