International events bring the U.S. closer to entering World War II on the eve of Pearl Harbor.

To explain the United States' involvement in World War II, this film analyzes the country's history and the ideology of its people. American ideals, as described in the Declaration of Independence, are highlighted through a depiction of the history of the nation, the current American quality of life and the social, recreational and work ethics of the people. American reluctance to be drawn into the war is demonstrated by the Neutrality Act of 1935, which stipulated that no arms would be sold to nations at war, and through the results of various Gallup polls of the 1930s and early 1940s. These polls note that while many Americans were sympathetic to the Chinese, the majority of the people wanted to remain uninvolved. The progression of the war in Europe is chronicled. In Sep 1939, Britain declares war on Germany, and a Gallup poll reveals that 82% of Americans perceive Germany as the cause of the war. One month later, a poll indicates that Americans favor repealment of the Neutrality Act. Finally, Congress appropriates 1.5 billion dollars for the military, which is to be increased to 81 billion by 1943. In 1940, when the Nazis take France, the U.S. Army is a makeshift one, but a two-ocean Navy is being constructed, and the Selective Service Act is passed, conscripting American men. In 1941, the Lend Lease Act is passed, providing arms to be delivered to those countries fighting Axis aggression, and the Neutrality Act is repealed. Just when it appears that the Japanese are considering peace negotiations with the U.S., they bomb Pearl Harbor, and the U.S. is brought into the war. The film closes with a quote by Chief of Staff G. C. Marshall: "...victory of the democracies can only be complete with the utter defeat of the war machines of Germany and Japan."