While it would have been more straightforward for Roosevelt to ask for a declaration of war, it would not have been the right thing for him to do and it would not have worked. The American people wanted to help, but they did not actually want to participate in the war and were still struggling with the delusion that distance equaled safety. The reaction of the people when Roosevelt suggested economic sanctions proved that they were not ready for a declaration of war, they were too afraid of the repercussions of such an act. The American people still firmly believed that if they did not attempt to poke the bear they would be safe from the Axis powers. Roosevelt instead moved them slowly toward their involvement in the war. He supported the Allies
