What program provided military aid to Britain without expecting payment, using the metaphor of lending a garden hose?

The Lend-Lease program was a critical initiative established during World War II that allowed the United States to provide military aid to its allies, particularly Britain, without requiring immediate payment or the transfer of ownership. The metaphor of lending a garden hose illustrates this concept effectively: just as one might lend a hose to a neighbor in need without expecting a direct return, the U.S. offered support to Britain to help them combat the Axis powers, believing that such aid would ultimately benefit American security as well.

This program marked a significant shift from the U.S. policy of neutrality, allowing for greater involvement in the war effort by supporting countries that were fighting against fascism. Through Lend-Lease, the U.S. supplied food, military equipment, and other resources, fostering stronger alliances and contributing to the overall war effort without committing U.S. troops at that point in the conflict. This approach underlined the idea that the fight against tyranny was a collective responsibility and that supporting allies was essential for maintaining global peace and security during and after the war.