August 31 in American History

August 31, 1935 — FDR signs the Neutrality Act

With Europe sliding toward war, Congress moved to keep America out of it by law — barring arms sales to belligerents. It was a genuine reflection of the country's post-WWI mood, and it would be revisited and loosened piece by piece as the 1930s got darker. Isolationism, written into statute.

Common Questions

What happened on August 31 in American history?

In 1935: FDR signs the Neutrality Act. With Europe sliding toward war, Congress moved to keep America out of it by law — barring arms sales to belligerents.

Why is August 31 significant?

With Europe sliding toward war, Congress moved to keep America out of it by law — barring arms sales to belligerents. It was a genuine reflection of the country's post-WWI mood, and it would be revisited and loosened piece by piece as the 1930s got darker. Isolationism, written into statute.

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