The Lend-LEASE Act was a law passed by the United States Congress in 1941 that allowed the government to provide supplies and services to countries whose defense was deemed vital to the defense of the United States. The Act was a major part of the U.S. strategy during World War II, allowing the U.S. to provide aid to its allies without having to pay for it upfront. The Act was seen as a way to help the Allies fight against the Axis powers without the U.S. having to enter the war directly.