In 1941, the Atlantic Charter was signed between the British and the United States. The Atlantic Charter was the goals the two nations had decided upon after the war was over. This included no change in territory possession, nations that were under Axis Powers' control were to be freed, and for the world as a whole agree on the Atlantic Charter. Later in 1941, The US started to escort British ships across the sea. Roosevelt decided the safest course of action would be to protect the British ships. By this point, war was close but Roosevelt still wanted to be safe. Instead of jumping into battle, he aided British ships. This provided the United States with more cushion in their relationship with the British, instead of fighting and endangering American lives when it is unnecessary. Later on that year, A British ship was attacked by a Germany. The United States navy answered by attacking the German ship. This is the United States' first notably aggressive act during the war. A direct ally of the US was being attacked. Roosevelt had to finally had to take a stand and show the other nations America was now getting involved. This conflict had reached a point where Roosevelt recognized the safest route for Americans would be to enter the war.
The image above shows Roosevelt and Churchill meeting for the signing of the Atlantic Charter.
Citation: Atlantic Charter: Roosevelt and Churchill. Photograph. Britannica Online for Kids. Web. 27 May 2014.
Citation: Atlantic Charter: Roosevelt and Churchill. Photograph. Britannica Online for Kids. Web. 27 May 2014.