The Lend-Lease Act was introduced by President Roosevelt as a means to provide military aid to the Allied nations fighting against Axis powers in the Second World War. Prior to the enactment of the Lend-Lease Act the United States had adopted a policy of neutrality, but Roosevelt recognized the growing threat posed by Nazi Germany and sought ways to assist Allied countries without directly involving the United States in the conflict.

Under the terms of the Lend-Lease Act, the United States was authorized to lend or lease military equipment, supplies, and other material deemed vital to the defence of the United States. The Act granted the President broad powers to determine the terms and conditions of aid, allowing for flexibility in responding to the evolving needs of Allied countries.

The passage of the Lend-Lease Act represented a significant departure from traditional American isolationism and reflected a shift towards a more interventionist foreign policy stance. By providing substantial military assistance to Allied nations, the United States played a crucial role in bolstering their ability to resist Axis aggression and played a major role in the Allied victory in the Second World War. By the time Lend-Lease ended on September 20, 1945, a total of $50.1 billion of supplies had been provided.

The Lend-Lease Act also had profound implications for the global balance of power and helped shape the post-war order. It strengthened the bonds between the United States and its allies, and helped to lay the groundwork for future international cooperation and alliances.

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