LAD #36: Truman Doctrine

The Truman Doctrine effectively began the Cold War.  The Soviet Union was expanding into what was known as the Soviet Sphere, or the small countries around the Soviet Union which were under the nation's control.  In an effort to combat this, President Truman issued the Truman Doctrine, which pledged economic and military aid to Greece and Turkey so that they would not fall to Communism.
The Truman Doctrine evolved to form the basis of the United States' foreign policy during the Cold War.  Truman believed in protecting all nations who resisted the influence of Communism.  This foreign policy was known as Containment because the primary goal of America was to contain the spread of Communism and restrict the Soviet Union's power as much as possible.

LAD #35: FDR's Executive Order #9066

Executive Order #9066 came about during World War II.  At this time, Americans were skeptical of Japanese Americans living in America.  The Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, and this created a resounding fear and anger towards any Japanese man or woman.  This fear and anger helped bring about Executive Order #9066. The Order allowed for the creation of "military areas".  With these new "military areas", people could be sent there to live and others could be forbidden to enter, stay, or exit.  In other words, it was now legal to send men and women to secluded areas.  These "military areas" would eventually lead to the holding of many Japanese men and women.

LAD #34: FDR's Declaration of War

FDR's Declaration of War was incredibly effective.  Not only did he have the audience of Congress, but his speech was also broadcast throughout the United States and was the most-listened-to broadcast to date.  FDR opens with the immortal words, "a date which will live in infamy." 
He goes on to explain that not only did the Japanese intentionally deceive the United States prior to their attack, but the Pearl Harbor assault was only a part of a massive offensive across the Pacific.  FDR closes by stating his faith in America and his belief that the country will endure and overcome all odds through sheer effort and force of will.  Finally, he asks that Congress give him the Declaration of War against the Japanese.

LAD#32: Kellogg Briand Peace Pact

The Kellogg Briand Peace Pact was signed by the United States, Japan, and a better portion of Europe in the late 1920's in which each nation recognized its solemn duty to promote the general welfare of mankind. The Pact stated that the renunciation of war ought to be used as a national policy in order to bring about peace and order. With the signing and passage of this pact, any nation that wished to declare war in pursuit of its own interest would be denied the benefits as decreed by the treaty. It was the hope of those who signed the treaty that future generations would follow this example.