World War II starts on September 1, 1939. A German U-Boat sinks an American flagged vessel on September 2. The United States declares war on Germany on Sept. 3.
It didn't work like that. See the link below for an example of this.World War II starts on September 1, 1939. A German U-Boat sinks an American flagged vessel on September 2. The United States declares war on Germany on Sept. 3.
World War II starts on September 1, 1939. A German U-Boat sinks an American flagged vessel on September 2. The United States declares war on Germany on Sept. 3.
Whilst this might set off war right there and then, why would a German U-Boat be so stupid?
Mistake. Fog of War. And it could be a USA warship, say the USS Texas is traveling from Norway to the USA when a U-boat mistakes it for a Royal Navy BB. This may contradict the standing orders at the time, but make the POD include different U-boat orders. With an American warship sunk in international waters, FDR can get a very easy war declaration.
There was never a significant pro-fascist population in America. There were a few like Henry Ford who were, but were always they very careful to term it as anti-war to appeal to the wider public. Being anti-war and pro-fascist are very different.You might have to deal with the significant pro-fascist population.
Mistake. Fog of War. And it could be a USA warship, say the USS Texas is traveling from Norway to the USA when a U-boat mistakes it for a Royal Navy BB.
I could buy something like that. I could easily see a scenario where a German submarine is lying in wait one night off the approaches to the English Channel. The sonar operatpr picks up the sound of propellers. The captain looks through the periscope sees the outline of a big liner. He turns to attack thinking that perhaps its the Queen Mary, but instead torpedoes and sinks an American liner evacuating American tourists, businessmen and embassy staff from Europe.
Will the Japanese return the favor of OTL and declare war on the US? Or will they consider the US too distracted to interfere and invade Indonesia, etc. without bothering to clear the US forces from the Phillipines?
Bruce
I would assume that Japan would not go to war until Tojo takes power.So I see the Japanese attack still coming on December 7, 1941. t What is different is that the US military, already at war, is prepared for the attack.
I would assume that Japan would not go to war until Tojo takes power.So I see the Japanese attack still coming on December 7, 1941. t What is different is that the US military, already at war, is prepared for the attack.