When the U.S. Could Have Conquered the World

March 13, 2026

When the U.S. Could Have Conquered the World—And Didn’t

TL;DR

The U.S. sent over 5 million troops to Europe during WWII, prioritizing the fight against Nazi Germany over immediate retaliation against Japan.
This "Germany First" strategy was driven by a belief that American power should be linked to its ideals, such as Roosevelt's "neighborhood of nations" and the "Four Freedoms."
The "Four Freedoms" (speech, religion, freedom from want, freedom from fear) provided a moral framework for American involvement and the vision for a post-war world.
The Atlantic Charter, a joint declaration with Britain, formalized these war aims, advocating for self-governance, free trade, disarmament, and lasting peace.
The article argues that the U.S. victory in WWII, fueled by American power and ideals, led to the creation of the "free world order," a significant achievement in secular history.
The U.S. decision not to conquer territory after WWII is presented as a testament to American virtue and its foundational beliefs in limited government and republican liberty.

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