World War II was described as the bloodiest and deadliest war the world had ever seen. Over 38 million people lost their lives, most of them innocent civilians. The war was also the most destructive war in history and took place in over 50 nations. For Americans, World War II had a very specific goal. Americans knew why they were fighting: to defeat tyranny. Nazi Germany had conquered much of Europe (it was under the iron grip of dictator Adolf Hitler). America's Role in 1877 During this time, America was experiencing tremendous growth that led to industrial, commercial, and agricultural development. For this reason, it has exported part of its goods to other nations as well as some technological know-how to other countries so that the latter have given the power to the president to transfer weapons or any other defense article for which the Congress has appropriated funds to the "government". of any country whose security the President deems vital to the protection of the United States." By allowing the transfer of supplies without compensation to China, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and other countries, the act allowed America to strengthen its war interests without becoming overly committed to the war. By 1939, Britain was engaged in some fighting with Germany at sea, land and air. As a result of this war, Britain's currency and gold reserves were depleted and they faced the threat of defeat by the Germans. The Lend-Lease Act came in handy for Britain as it became well equipped to deal with the aggressiveness of the Germans (Nazi-German expansion). Although World War II offered a great challenge, the Lend-Lease program was of great help and overcame all challenges. The threat posed by war had prompted Congress and President Roosevelt to approve the nation's first peacetime military draft. By December 1941, America's military strength had grown to approximately 2.2 million soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Most American military forces were made up primarily of "citizen soldiers," men and women from civilian life. The military force came from all over the state of the country and from all economic and social strata. The majority, about 10 million soldiers, entered the army through the draft. The recruits were assigned to the army. By 1942, the American military base grew to 36 million. Their military force was sent to aid America's other allies while others were kept on standby and would then act as reinforcements for those already on the battlefield