From Isolation to Conflict: How the U.S. Entered World War II
About This Footage
War Comes to America (1945), the final installment in Frank Capra’s Why We Fight series, explores America’s transformation from an isolated nation to a global force in WWII. The documentary interweaves U.S. history, immigration, economic growth, and military conflicts to illustrate the values that shaped the country. The film depicts America’s industrial rise, the Great Depression, and the global threats posed by Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, and Fascist Italy. Footage highlights key events such as Hitler’s conquests in Europe, the fall of France, the Battle of Britain, and the Lend-Lease program, which provided critical aid to Allied nations. The climax unfolds with Japan’s aggression in the Pacific, the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and America’s official entry into the war. A compelling historical record, this wartime propaganda film served to unify the American public and rally support for the fight against Axis tyranny.
Explore & Preview Individual Reels
- War Comes to America - Reel 1: The American Spirit & WWII
- War Comes to America - Reel 2: Immigration, Industry & Daily Life
- War Comes to America - Reel 3: From WWI to the Brink of War
- War Comes to America - Reel 4: Global Conflict and America’s Response
- War Comes to America - Reel 5: Hitler’s Rise & America Prepares
- War Comes to America - Reel 6: The Axis Pact & U.S. Support for Allies
- War Comes to America - Reel 7: From U-Boat Attacks to Pearl Harbor