The event that was NOT responsible for moving the United States from a position of neutrality to involvement in World War II is the Battle of Midway. Here's an explanation of each event and why the Battle of Midway did not play a role in pushing the U.S. into the war:
1. Pearl Harbor: This surprise military strike by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, directly led to the U.S. entry into World War II.
2. Lend-Lease Act: This policy, passed in 1941, allowed the United States to provide military aid and supplies to foreign nations, particularly to the Allied powers, without requiring immediate payment. It reflected a shift towards greater involvement in the war effort.
3. Neutrality Act of 1939: This act lifted the arms embargo on warring nations and allowed for the sale of arms to belligerents on a "cash-and-carry" basis. It signaled a move away from strict neutrality towards supporting countries like Britain and France.
4. Battle of Midway: This naval battle, fought in June 1942, was a turning point in the Pacific theater of the war where the U.S. Navy defeated a Japanese attack. While significant in the overall war effort, it did not directly influence the U.S. decision to enter the war as the country was already actively involved after the events of Pearl Harbor.
Therefore, the correct answer is the Battle of Midway, as it occurred after the U.S. had already entered World War II following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
