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1940: FDR, Willkie, Lindbergh, Hitler—the Election amid the Storm
In 1940, against the explosive backdrop of the Nazi onslaught in Europe, two farsighted candidates for the U.S. presidency—Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt, running for an unprecedented third term, and talented Republican businessman Wendell Willkie—found themselves on the defensive against American isolationists and their charismatic spokesman Charles Lindbergh, who called for surrender to Hitler's demands. In this dramatic account of that turbulent and consequential election, historian Susan Dunn brings to life the debates, the high-powered players, and the dawning awareness of the Nazi threat as the presidential candidates engaged in their own battle for supremacy. 1940 not only explores the contest between FDR and Willkie but also examines the key preparations for war that went forward, even in the midst of that divisive election season. The book tells an inspiring story of the triumph of American democracy in a world reeling from fascist barbarism, and it offers a compelling alternative scenario to today’s hyperpartisan political arena, where common ground seems unattainable.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
108 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Susan Dunn
27 books21 followersSusan Dunn is Professor of Literature and the History of Ideas at Williams College and Senior Scholar and the Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland. She is the author of several books, including the critically acclaimed Sister Revolutions
Academic Degrees
* A. B. cum laude, Smith College, 1966. Phi Beta Kappa.
* Ph.D. Harvard University, 1973
Professional Experience
* Williams College, Preston S. Parish '41 Third Century Professor in the Arts and Humanities, 1973 to present
* Wellesley College, Instructor, 1971-1973
* Harvard University, Extension Division, Instructor, 1970-1973
* Harvard University, Teaching Fellow, 1967-1970
Academic Degrees
* A. B. cum laude, Smith College, 1966. Phi Beta Kappa.
* Ph.D. Harvard University, 1973
Professional Experience
* Williams College, Preston S. Parish '41 Third Century Professor in the Arts and Humanities, 1973 to present
* Wellesley College, Instructor, 1971-1973
* Harvard University, Extension Division, Instructor, 1970-1973
* Harvard University, Teaching Fellow, 1967-1970
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 11, 2022
This book covers much of the same ground as a previous book I read Those Angry Days: Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America’s Fight Over World War II, 1939-1941 by Lynne Olson.
However, this book focuses on the election of 1940 and thus was a more interesting read. It examines the domestic issues going on during this election period. The main issue was the raging war in Europe and what, if any, help the United States should give to England and the rest of the Allies fighting against Nazi Germany and its “axis of evil”. This issue was argued by the Isolationists and the Interventionists.
Another issue covered here is the idea of a third term for FDR. The argument is largely rhetorical. There was, at that time, no Constitutional stipulation against a third term. The example set by George Washington became something that subsequent Presidents followed. There is a comment about whether Lincoln would have pursued a third term in order to complete the wise reconstruction in the South following the Civil War. FDR himself waffled on declaring whether he would seek a third term. He consistently gave vague and contradictory answers to questions from the press regarding his plans. However, he masterfully manipulated the campaign to ensure his selection as the Democratic candidate for president.
The Isolationists were a group defined by multiple and complex ideas. There were pacifists, others who were haunted by the memories of the destruction of World War I, there were anti-communists who viewed Nazi Germany as safeguard against the spread of Bolshevism, there were those who held a military defeatism from watching country after country fall to the Nazi onslaught, and there were others suffering the age-old prejudice of anti-Semitism. This is where Charles Lindbergh landed. In September of 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa, Lindbergh gives a speech at an America First rally where he states that “[t]he nation’s enemy was an internal one, a Jewish one.” (Page 301)
It is at this point that the author relates a story of George Washington in 1790 assuring a Hebrew Congregation that all citizens “possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.” I like especially his rejection of the notion of “toleration” because it implied the “indulgence of one class of people for another.”(Page 302) I may never be able to use the word tolerance again.
But both Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh are brutally skewered in this book. Anne Lindbergh, an accomplished writer, published a book in 1940, Wave of the Future, in which she argues that Fascism is the preferred form of government. That democracy is inefficient and “worn-out”. However, in this book the author picks the most important aspect of democracy—a presidential campaign.
Because of its focus on the election there is a shining example of democracy in action. The Republican National Convention was held in Philadelphia and it offered an example of a free democratic government. A country that allowed free assembly, free speech, and free press coverage of an opposition party. This was a scene that could not be found on the continent of Europe.
Although there is nothing new in this book about FDR, we read the story of his unprecedented quest and election to a third term. This is important because in less than a year he would lead a country at war with two formidable enemies whose leaders possessed more control and more military might.
In April 1948, in London’s Grosvenor Square a statute of Franklin D. Roosevelt was unveiled before Eleanor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and the King and Queen of England.
However, this book focuses on the election of 1940 and thus was a more interesting read. It examines the domestic issues going on during this election period. The main issue was the raging war in Europe and what, if any, help the United States should give to England and the rest of the Allies fighting against Nazi Germany and its “axis of evil”. This issue was argued by the Isolationists and the Interventionists.
Another issue covered here is the idea of a third term for FDR. The argument is largely rhetorical. There was, at that time, no Constitutional stipulation against a third term. The example set by George Washington became something that subsequent Presidents followed. There is a comment about whether Lincoln would have pursued a third term in order to complete the wise reconstruction in the South following the Civil War. FDR himself waffled on declaring whether he would seek a third term. He consistently gave vague and contradictory answers to questions from the press regarding his plans. However, he masterfully manipulated the campaign to ensure his selection as the Democratic candidate for president.
The Isolationists were a group defined by multiple and complex ideas. There were pacifists, others who were haunted by the memories of the destruction of World War I, there were anti-communists who viewed Nazi Germany as safeguard against the spread of Bolshevism, there were those who held a military defeatism from watching country after country fall to the Nazi onslaught, and there were others suffering the age-old prejudice of anti-Semitism. This is where Charles Lindbergh landed. In September of 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa, Lindbergh gives a speech at an America First rally where he states that “[t]he nation’s enemy was an internal one, a Jewish one.” (Page 301)
It is at this point that the author relates a story of George Washington in 1790 assuring a Hebrew Congregation that all citizens “possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship.” I like especially his rejection of the notion of “toleration” because it implied the “indulgence of one class of people for another.”(Page 302) I may never be able to use the word tolerance again.
But both Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh are brutally skewered in this book. Anne Lindbergh, an accomplished writer, published a book in 1940, Wave of the Future, in which she argues that Fascism is the preferred form of government. That democracy is inefficient and “worn-out”. However, in this book the author picks the most important aspect of democracy—a presidential campaign.
Because of its focus on the election there is a shining example of democracy in action. The Republican National Convention was held in Philadelphia and it offered an example of a free democratic government. A country that allowed free assembly, free speech, and free press coverage of an opposition party. This was a scene that could not be found on the continent of Europe.
Although there is nothing new in this book about FDR, we read the story of his unprecedented quest and election to a third term. This is important because in less than a year he would lead a country at war with two formidable enemies whose leaders possessed more control and more military might.
In April 1948, in London’s Grosvenor Square a statute of Franklin D. Roosevelt was unveiled before Eleanor Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and the King and Queen of England.
Grosvenor Square became a pilgrimage site for tens of thousands of people. Many left bouquets of flowers and note cards around the base of the statute.
…
“A grand man,” said one man, looking up at the statute and shading his eyes against the midday sun. “There ’s no doubt about it. The world would be better off for a few more like him.”(Page 318)
September 22, 2024
After coming across this book by mistake on Audible, I found myself hooked on it by the end of the first chapter. Indeed, given the battle between FDR and the isolationists just before WWII, its clear that our current state of political affairs doesn’t have a cornerstone on divisiveness. Along with being a very readable and scholarly book focusing on a crucial period of time in American history, Dunn filled the pages with fascinating characters. Aside from a backdrop of notables, the three main characters were: FDR, the wise and weary President; Charles Lindbergh, the naive isolationist leader, who increasingly blamed the world’s problems on the Jews; and Wendell Willkie, the charming maverick who both challenged and befriended FDR. All in all, a great read for all history buffs!
April 3, 2022
1940 was one of those years in history when the fate of the world seemed to hang in the balance. Europe was at war with Britain and France fighting for their lives, and the U.S. was confronted with an unprecedented election. Franklin D. Roosevelt had finally decided to run for a third term, knowing his own country might soon be involved in war. The Great Depression still lingered on while the isolationist wave flooded much of the thinking of many Americans.
This book looks at that tumultuous year in detail as various political figures tried to be the man to defeat Roosevelt. The man selected by the Republicans was a former Democrat who did things his way. Wendell Wilkie of Indiana was a courageous fighter for internationalism, and not one to play up to his own party members, but his refusal to play the game may have hurt him at the polls. After the election, he and Roosevelt developed a close relationship before Wilkie's untimely death in 1944.
ThIs book starts somewhat slow as there is much to establish, but once the campaigns start, it picks up. The book also discusses 1941 and the unrepentent efforts of Charles Lindbergh to throw Britain to the wolves. It's difficult now to imagine that he was once such a hero, and yet could be so vile in his thinking about race and the Jews. 1940 was a remarkable year, one that could have turned out so differently.
This book looks at that tumultuous year in detail as various political figures tried to be the man to defeat Roosevelt. The man selected by the Republicans was a former Democrat who did things his way. Wendell Wilkie of Indiana was a courageous fighter for internationalism, and not one to play up to his own party members, but his refusal to play the game may have hurt him at the polls. After the election, he and Roosevelt developed a close relationship before Wilkie's untimely death in 1944.
ThIs book starts somewhat slow as there is much to establish, but once the campaigns start, it picks up. The book also discusses 1941 and the unrepentent efforts of Charles Lindbergh to throw Britain to the wolves. It's difficult now to imagine that he was once such a hero, and yet could be so vile in his thinking about race and the Jews. 1940 was a remarkable year, one that could have turned out so differently.
May 20, 2018
In 1940, Fascism was in the ascendancy everywhere. France had fallen in May. The Battle of Britain was raging and England was fighting for her life. Russia was attacked along the massive length of her border. In the East, Japan was ever more aggressive. Europe was not only under siege but already lost.
In the United States, another fight of a different sort was also taking place. After having cleverly maneuvered his party into nominating him for an unprecedented third term, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was fighting an election battle against Wendell Willkie and a wide range of antagonistic isolationist enemies on the right. Wilkie was himself no isolationist and fully realized the intense danger that fascism posed but he was being co-opted by his strange bedfellows in and out of the Republican party. Even at this late date, the American public was severely divided over the question of simply aiding the democracies, let alone any kind of active intervention. They would remain so until the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In her excellent history of this election year, 1940: FDR, Willkie, Lindberg, Hitler-the Election and the Storm, Susan Dunn does a wonderful job of lining up the major players on both sides, presenting all the major arguments leading up to the final decision that can only be made by the American public. What looks like a normal election wrangle, in that momentous year made all the difference in the country's readiness for war a scant year later.
In the United States, another fight of a different sort was also taking place. After having cleverly maneuvered his party into nominating him for an unprecedented third term, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was fighting an election battle against Wendell Willkie and a wide range of antagonistic isolationist enemies on the right. Wilkie was himself no isolationist and fully realized the intense danger that fascism posed but he was being co-opted by his strange bedfellows in and out of the Republican party. Even at this late date, the American public was severely divided over the question of simply aiding the democracies, let alone any kind of active intervention. They would remain so until the attack on Pearl Harbor.
In her excellent history of this election year, 1940: FDR, Willkie, Lindberg, Hitler-the Election and the Storm, Susan Dunn does a wonderful job of lining up the major players on both sides, presenting all the major arguments leading up to the final decision that can only be made by the American public. What looks like a normal election wrangle, in that momentous year made all the difference in the country's readiness for war a scant year later.
March 8, 2015
I was raised at a time when it was normal in many households to believe that Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the greatest President of the 20th Century. I still believe that.
And so, a book that delves into the details of a critical time in our history, during which FDR played such a pivotal role, is a natural choice for my reading list. And what a time — war in Europe and China, isolationists abroad at home, and the ever-present speculation as to whether Roosevelt would have the audacity to break a "sacred" tradition and run for a third term. Ms. Dunn brings all of this vividly to life and far exceeded my hopes and expectations. But she surprised me as well…
You see, I didn't count on Wendell Willkie.
Oh, I knew a little about Willkie. Wasn't he the third Republican candidate to be crushed by FDR? I've seen pictures.
But Willkie was a force to be reckoned with. A corporate lawyer who had never stood for office until nominated by the Republicans as a "dark horse" candidate against FDR in 1940, Willkie hadn't even been a Republican for very long. In a party dominated by isolationists and "America Firsters", Willkie was a firm believer that America had to assist Great Britain in any way possible. And he liked most aspects of the New Deal. And agreed with a peacetime draft. And approved of Lend-Lease. What a strange choice the Republicans made!
Ms. Dunn does a wonderful job of helping us to meet Mr. Willkie. And I walked away at the end of the book with as much respect for Willkie as I have long had for FDR. After losing the election, Willkie went out of his way to be of service to his country and to help prepare America for what was probably an inevitable war. He assisted Roosevelt in those dark days without rancor and in a way that could only be described as "statesmanlike".
Ms. Dunn is not so kind to other members of this cast of characters. Charles Lindbergh — at the very least an isolationist, but whose words and actions could easily have been (and were) labelled pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic — does not fare well. Nor does Joseph Kennedy. And we spend more than a little time with Congressional isolationists and Nazi fifth columnists as well as with all stripes of congressmen and aides and newspapermen and Cabinet members. There are a lot of people to meet and remember.
But it's all very well worth it, especially because Ms. Dunn gives us reasons to know and remember them all. Her portraits of them — and of their times — are well drawn. And her descriptions of a time and place — in that netherworld between the dark days of the Great Depression and the even darker days of World War — are a welcome addition to my library.
In the end, Ms. Dunn made me glad that, at a time when we had so much to lose, we had statesmen like Franklin Roosevelt. And Wendell Willkie.
And so, a book that delves into the details of a critical time in our history, during which FDR played such a pivotal role, is a natural choice for my reading list. And what a time — war in Europe and China, isolationists abroad at home, and the ever-present speculation as to whether Roosevelt would have the audacity to break a "sacred" tradition and run for a third term. Ms. Dunn brings all of this vividly to life and far exceeded my hopes and expectations. But she surprised me as well…
You see, I didn't count on Wendell Willkie.
Oh, I knew a little about Willkie. Wasn't he the third Republican candidate to be crushed by FDR? I've seen pictures.
But Willkie was a force to be reckoned with. A corporate lawyer who had never stood for office until nominated by the Republicans as a "dark horse" candidate against FDR in 1940, Willkie hadn't even been a Republican for very long. In a party dominated by isolationists and "America Firsters", Willkie was a firm believer that America had to assist Great Britain in any way possible. And he liked most aspects of the New Deal. And agreed with a peacetime draft. And approved of Lend-Lease. What a strange choice the Republicans made!
Ms. Dunn does a wonderful job of helping us to meet Mr. Willkie. And I walked away at the end of the book with as much respect for Willkie as I have long had for FDR. After losing the election, Willkie went out of his way to be of service to his country and to help prepare America for what was probably an inevitable war. He assisted Roosevelt in those dark days without rancor and in a way that could only be described as "statesmanlike".
Ms. Dunn is not so kind to other members of this cast of characters. Charles Lindbergh — at the very least an isolationist, but whose words and actions could easily have been (and were) labelled pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic — does not fare well. Nor does Joseph Kennedy. And we spend more than a little time with Congressional isolationists and Nazi fifth columnists as well as with all stripes of congressmen and aides and newspapermen and Cabinet members. There are a lot of people to meet and remember.
But it's all very well worth it, especially because Ms. Dunn gives us reasons to know and remember them all. Her portraits of them — and of their times — are well drawn. And her descriptions of a time and place — in that netherworld between the dark days of the Great Depression and the even darker days of World War — are a welcome addition to my library.
In the end, Ms. Dunn made me glad that, at a time when we had so much to lose, we had statesmen like Franklin Roosevelt. And Wendell Willkie.
October 8, 2020
1940: FDR, Willkie, Lindbergh, Hitler-the Election amid the Storm by Susan Dunn is an examination of the events surrounding 1940 presidential elections and world events that helped shape the election. Susan Dunn is Professor of Literature and the History of Ideas at Williams College and Senior Scholar and the Academy of Leadership at the University of Maryland. She earned her PhD from Harvard in 1973 and is also the author of several books on American history.
The stage is set for the presidential elections of 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt is finishing his second term as president. He had won both of his previous elections by a landslides but now his court packing plan has overwhelmingly failed and his New Deal programs are stalling. To help keep employment up FDR has begun production of war material in preparation for war. FDR's domestic programs, increased military spending, and aid to the allies created opposition in the United States. Republicans and isolationists wanted to keep America out of the war. Charles Lindbergh was a very vocal isolationist and supported Wilkie. His support was not because he believed Willkie was great leader, but more so, because he was not FDR. In June of 1940, Hitler would be dancing a celebratory jig in Paris. The stage was set.
Dunn does an excellent job of explaining the political process of from the Republican selection of Willke to justifying a third term for FDR. Charges of socialism were leveled at FDR and the Republicans reversed Wilson's claim of “He kept us out of war.” to “We kept HIM out of war." FDRs third term run for the presidency is discussed from the contemporary views of the time and the views of the the founding fathers and the Federalist Papers.
1940 covers in detail the campaign process including Roosevelt being “drafted” to run a third term. It is interesting reading that campaigns back in the 1940s were not much different from today. There were gaffs, and possible “romantic involvements” of some candidates, accusations of being a socialist, and even Ohio's role as the barometer of the campaign. Claims of ruining the country and gutting the military could easily have been written about the last several presidential elections just as well as it was in 1940. Willkie makes the claim that the Democratic Party was kidnapped by a few people who wanted power (shades of a few hijacking a religion of the 21st century) and to upset the two-term tradition. He then followed it with quotes from Lincoln and Washington.
The election results and the on coming involvement in Europe takes it toll on America and the politicians. Lend-Lease and England become important issues and alliances form and break. The Nazi threat to America becomes real as the USS Greer is attacked at sea (after giving a British Bomber the location of the sub). Willkie turns his support to the president. Lindbergh becomes more radical, after being call a “Copperhead”, he resigns his commission in the Reserve Air Corps. Texas passes a resolution informing Lindbergh that he was not welcome in the state. Lindbergh moves to the fringe. Willkie goes on to ally himself with the president to the point of being to progressive for the Republicans.
An enlightening book about a very important time in American history filled with issues and events that changed America and the world. America was on the surface very black and white with the issues, but underneath, most Americans could put away their differences when the country need it. Dunn's book is well written and supported with eighty pages of notes. 1940 presents a clear picture of American national politics in the pre-war years as well as examines the lives of the major players adding a human touch to the history. A very worthwhile read.
The stage is set for the presidential elections of 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt is finishing his second term as president. He had won both of his previous elections by a landslides but now his court packing plan has overwhelmingly failed and his New Deal programs are stalling. To help keep employment up FDR has begun production of war material in preparation for war. FDR's domestic programs, increased military spending, and aid to the allies created opposition in the United States. Republicans and isolationists wanted to keep America out of the war. Charles Lindbergh was a very vocal isolationist and supported Wilkie. His support was not because he believed Willkie was great leader, but more so, because he was not FDR. In June of 1940, Hitler would be dancing a celebratory jig in Paris. The stage was set.
Dunn does an excellent job of explaining the political process of from the Republican selection of Willke to justifying a third term for FDR. Charges of socialism were leveled at FDR and the Republicans reversed Wilson's claim of “He kept us out of war.” to “We kept HIM out of war." FDRs third term run for the presidency is discussed from the contemporary views of the time and the views of the the founding fathers and the Federalist Papers.
1940 covers in detail the campaign process including Roosevelt being “drafted” to run a third term. It is interesting reading that campaigns back in the 1940s were not much different from today. There were gaffs, and possible “romantic involvements” of some candidates, accusations of being a socialist, and even Ohio's role as the barometer of the campaign. Claims of ruining the country and gutting the military could easily have been written about the last several presidential elections just as well as it was in 1940. Willkie makes the claim that the Democratic Party was kidnapped by a few people who wanted power (shades of a few hijacking a religion of the 21st century) and to upset the two-term tradition. He then followed it with quotes from Lincoln and Washington.
The election results and the on coming involvement in Europe takes it toll on America and the politicians. Lend-Lease and England become important issues and alliances form and break. The Nazi threat to America becomes real as the USS Greer is attacked at sea (after giving a British Bomber the location of the sub). Willkie turns his support to the president. Lindbergh becomes more radical, after being call a “Copperhead”, he resigns his commission in the Reserve Air Corps. Texas passes a resolution informing Lindbergh that he was not welcome in the state. Lindbergh moves to the fringe. Willkie goes on to ally himself with the president to the point of being to progressive for the Republicans.
An enlightening book about a very important time in American history filled with issues and events that changed America and the world. America was on the surface very black and white with the issues, but underneath, most Americans could put away their differences when the country need it. Dunn's book is well written and supported with eighty pages of notes. 1940 presents a clear picture of American national politics in the pre-war years as well as examines the lives of the major players adding a human touch to the history. A very worthwhile read.
March 20, 2017
Dunn's book covers not just a pivotal year in the political career of Franklin Delano Roosevelt but also a vital time in the history of the United States. In a time of incredible turmoil Dunn shows how the cool headed FDR prevailed against incredible odds to become the first President to be elected to a third term. Dunn does an excellent job to highlight the tension of the times which might otherwise be lost in the historical mists. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh openly sympathizes with the Nazis and leads a section of the isolationists opposed to the US's entry into the upcoming war. As isolationists and interventionists battle it out in Congress, Paris is captured by Hitler and the people of the UK face increasingly destructive bombing raids of The BLitz.
FDR manages through political cunning and an uncanny ability to remain calm in the most stressful of situations to steer Congress towards allowing limited aid to the UK while at the same time maneuvering to discredit his potential opponents for the presidency in both the Democratic and Republican Party. And yes he does all of this while paralyzed from the waist down. One can't help coming away from this book recognizing the political genius and courage of Roosevelt in a single year in which the US, and the world, faced tremendous danger.
FDR manages through political cunning and an uncanny ability to remain calm in the most stressful of situations to steer Congress towards allowing limited aid to the UK while at the same time maneuvering to discredit his potential opponents for the presidency in both the Democratic and Republican Party. And yes he does all of this while paralyzed from the waist down. One can't help coming away from this book recognizing the political genius and courage of Roosevelt in a single year in which the US, and the world, faced tremendous danger.
November 5, 2013
A very good political read on the events surrounding the 1940 Presidential third term election of FDR. Besides Roosevelt, Wendell Willkie, the Republican nominee, emerges as an heroic figure battling the isolationists within his own party. Charles Lindbergh is accurately depicted as a Nazi loving anti-Semite elitist.
July 6, 2013
A very satisfying and informative read for the political junkie. Oh that we could return to the days of a 2.5 month presidential campaign!!!
November 13, 2024
3.5 stars actually. What I found most interesting about this story of the 1940 election - the controversial third term of FDR, his battle to force an isolationist country to face the fact that the US would inevitably become involved in the war ravaging Europe and parts of Asia, and an election choice between the very experienced FDR and the neophyte politician Wendell Willkie - were all of the parallels to the 2024 election, which was taking place during the time that I was listening to this audiobook. That couldn't have been the author's intent, as the book was published in 2013, long before Donald Trump took the escalator ride that plunged the US into chaos. But think about it. As in 1939 and 1940, there was a war raging in Europe, started by a murderous dictator, that the US did not want to involve itself in. There was an America First movement headed by a man with a surprising affinity for the dictator who had started the war. Then, as now, a substantial portion of the public and of the political class was thinking that the US could protect itself by ducking its head and relying on thousands of miles of ocean to insulate it from the world's problems. Then, as now (2024), some wanted to appease the dictator and even do business with him.
The difference, of course, was that, in 1940, the America First guy was not the Republican nominee, but was the hero aviator Charles Lindbergh. Willkie turned out to be just as much of an internationalist as Roosevelt, and by the time the election was over, they were basically allies. Lindbergh persisted in his resistance to FDR and the book paints a convincing portrait of Lindbergh as a Nazi sympathizer with anti-semitic views that were not all that different, though presumably less murderous, than those of Hitler. In fact, even after Pearl Harbor, Lindbergh and various Republican isolationists in Congress insisted that the war was started by the "warmonger" Roosevelt, rather than by, you know, those countries that actually invaded their neighbors and bombed Pearl Harbor. They sound in the book a lot like those who continue to insist that Vladimir Putin was forced to invade Ukraine because of provocations by the NATO alliance.
History proved that Roosevelt was correct and this book portrays him as one step ahead of his rivals and a clear-thinking and strategic leader. It's a pretty favorable view of FDR and glosses over some of the unfortunate history, like the reluctance of the US to accept Jewish refugees whose lives were in danger in Europe.
The big difference between 1940 and 2024, of course, is that America chose the America First guy this time around. It's only been a week since the election as I write this, so we have yet to see how that choice plays out. But the book is a good example of how we can learn from history, as similar circumstances recur over time. But do our "leaders" even read history anymore? I'm guessing that Donald J. Trump doesn't, and that the American voters, mesmerized by their phones and social media, don't either. But I do, and so can you if this review inspires you to pick up the book.
The difference, of course, was that, in 1940, the America First guy was not the Republican nominee, but was the hero aviator Charles Lindbergh. Willkie turned out to be just as much of an internationalist as Roosevelt, and by the time the election was over, they were basically allies. Lindbergh persisted in his resistance to FDR and the book paints a convincing portrait of Lindbergh as a Nazi sympathizer with anti-semitic views that were not all that different, though presumably less murderous, than those of Hitler. In fact, even after Pearl Harbor, Lindbergh and various Republican isolationists in Congress insisted that the war was started by the "warmonger" Roosevelt, rather than by, you know, those countries that actually invaded their neighbors and bombed Pearl Harbor. They sound in the book a lot like those who continue to insist that Vladimir Putin was forced to invade Ukraine because of provocations by the NATO alliance.
History proved that Roosevelt was correct and this book portrays him as one step ahead of his rivals and a clear-thinking and strategic leader. It's a pretty favorable view of FDR and glosses over some of the unfortunate history, like the reluctance of the US to accept Jewish refugees whose lives were in danger in Europe.
The big difference between 1940 and 2024, of course, is that America chose the America First guy this time around. It's only been a week since the election as I write this, so we have yet to see how that choice plays out. But the book is a good example of how we can learn from history, as similar circumstances recur over time. But do our "leaders" even read history anymore? I'm guessing that Donald J. Trump doesn't, and that the American voters, mesmerized by their phones and social media, don't either. But I do, and so can you if this review inspires you to pick up the book.
November 19, 2021
I am a huge admirer of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his time as President of the United States. In my mind, he is either our greatest or second greatest President in our history. So admittedly I am a bit prejudiced as to the accomplishments of this man. Dunn's book reinforces my beliefs.
I've read so many similarities between what happened in 1940 and what is happening today. In 1940, the concept of democracy was under attack. You had a foreign government, in 1940, Germany, who was trying to influence the American election for President. In 1940, you have a celebrity, Charles Lindbergh, who was a supporter and puppet of the Nazi regime. Today we have a reality show star who is a puppet and supporter of the Soviet Union.
FDR demonstrated his greatness during this period. Many Americans were isolationists and wanted no parts of being involved in a European war. Many Americans did not even want to support England with planes, ships and other wartime supplies as English cities were being bombed by Nazi aircraft. FDR skillfully got the country ready for war. And he did this during a presidential election.
FDR began to build up America's military defenses. He re-instituted the draft and began to build up the army and navy. He also recruited Republican leaders to work with him on getting the country ready for a potential war. FDR understood the dangers of Hitler well before most Americans did.
FDR's Republican opponent in 1940 was Wendel Willkie. Willkie was a bit of a maverick in terms of the Republican party. Willkie shared many of the same policy and political viewpoints as FDR. He was not a politician, but a successful businessman. One of the interesting aspects of his candidacy was that he had a mistress. And most people, including FDR, knew he had a mistress but it was never brought up in the general election. Willkie ran a fairly clean campaign. He comes off as one of the good guys during this period, particularly after he lost the election.
Two people who do not come off very well in this book or Charles Lindbergh and Joseph Kennedy. Both are portrayed as defeatists and Nazi sympathizers. Both men were more than willing to throw England to the Nazi wolves. Lindburgh evidently was a bit of a racist.
Though I pride myself on knowing quite a bit about the FDR presidency and US history in the 1940s, I learned quite a few new things from this book. I was very surprised that the American people were not more supportive of England as they were going through the blitz.
This is a bit of a long book but it moved along well and I found it very interesting history. Highly recommended!
I've read so many similarities between what happened in 1940 and what is happening today. In 1940, the concept of democracy was under attack. You had a foreign government, in 1940, Germany, who was trying to influence the American election for President. In 1940, you have a celebrity, Charles Lindbergh, who was a supporter and puppet of the Nazi regime. Today we have a reality show star who is a puppet and supporter of the Soviet Union.
FDR demonstrated his greatness during this period. Many Americans were isolationists and wanted no parts of being involved in a European war. Many Americans did not even want to support England with planes, ships and other wartime supplies as English cities were being bombed by Nazi aircraft. FDR skillfully got the country ready for war. And he did this during a presidential election.
FDR began to build up America's military defenses. He re-instituted the draft and began to build up the army and navy. He also recruited Republican leaders to work with him on getting the country ready for a potential war. FDR understood the dangers of Hitler well before most Americans did.
FDR's Republican opponent in 1940 was Wendel Willkie. Willkie was a bit of a maverick in terms of the Republican party. Willkie shared many of the same policy and political viewpoints as FDR. He was not a politician, but a successful businessman. One of the interesting aspects of his candidacy was that he had a mistress. And most people, including FDR, knew he had a mistress but it was never brought up in the general election. Willkie ran a fairly clean campaign. He comes off as one of the good guys during this period, particularly after he lost the election.
Two people who do not come off very well in this book or Charles Lindbergh and Joseph Kennedy. Both are portrayed as defeatists and Nazi sympathizers. Both men were more than willing to throw England to the Nazi wolves. Lindburgh evidently was a bit of a racist.
Though I pride myself on knowing quite a bit about the FDR presidency and US history in the 1940s, I learned quite a few new things from this book. I was very surprised that the American people were not more supportive of England as they were going through the blitz.
This is a bit of a long book but it moved along well and I found it very interesting history. Highly recommended!
April 5, 2021
Outstanding book about a narrow, often overlooked, slice of American history. The 1940 election was colored by a confluence of factors - concern over a third term for FDR and the risk of losing democracy in America, strong isolationist sentiments in some parts to stay out of the “European War” (often accompanied by pro - Hitler positions and distinct anti-Semitism) and lastly, a recognition by many that we could not turn a blind eye to Hitler and pretend we were safe in their US given our two ocean borders. In most ways the election was a referendum on preparing for war.
The book is deeply researched but briskly written. Characters abound.....FDR as a public paternal caregiver but privately a shrewd and canny politician, Lindbergh and Joe Kennedy in a race to the bottom......but most importantly a splendid Wendell Willkie. His ability to compete in the election but then “cross the aisle” to support FDR was noteworthy and of critical importance. His example is something we all could use a bit more of these days.
Well worth a read.
The book is deeply researched but briskly written. Characters abound.....FDR as a public paternal caregiver but privately a shrewd and canny politician, Lindbergh and Joe Kennedy in a race to the bottom......but most importantly a splendid Wendell Willkie. His ability to compete in the election but then “cross the aisle” to support FDR was noteworthy and of critical importance. His example is something we all could use a bit more of these days.
Well worth a read.
August 13, 2021
This is a great read for anyone interested in political history. I did not know much about 1940 and Wendall Wilkie - other than this was the year of FDR's unprecedented third term. This book helps create the atmosphere of America steeped in both isolationism and not wanting to see Britain and Europe fall under Hitler. I knew a little about Charles Lindbergh but not how pro-German he was --- after reading this book, there's no doubt Lindbergh was a real S.O.B. I also always knew that Joe Kennedy had an isolationist reputation that JFK always had to escape, but ol' Joe comes across quite terrible in this as well. I don't think I learned enough about Wilkie, but it was interested to see a "non-politician" earn the GOP nomination in '40 and how we tried to walk the rope between new leadership and entrenched Republican isolationism. This is a great way to tell the story of the election of 1940.
October 25, 2022
I enjoyed Susan Dunn's history of the 1940 election. In particular, I appreciated her portrait of Wendell Willkie, the Republican who was defeated by FDR that year. I have always thought of Willkie as just another patsy crushed under the weight of Roosevelt's overwhelming popularity, but Dunn shows us that there was a lot more to him than that. Unlike certain politicians, he admitted when he was beaten (admittedly, it helps when it isn't very close) and not only that, but after his defeat he immediately rallied around to support FDR where the two had common ground. He testified in favor of FDR's Lend Lease bill, pushed for the repeal of the Neutrality Act that hamstrung the United States' ability to support the UK against Hitler, and then served as a diplomat throughout the war. We could use some of this non-partisan patriotism in this country today.
November 11, 2024
As the world edged toward war in 1940, the Republicans were viciously divided between a few internationalists and an even stronger isolationist wing of the party. They hated Roosevelt. The Democratic party was worried that Roosevelt had already served two terms--and although a third was not barred in those days, it was unconventional. Yet, the Democrats had no alternatives who were capable of winning. They wanted Roosevelt for political reasons, and the internationalist community worried about Hitler wanted him in order to act as a check on Hitlers aggression. In the end, the Republicans chose someone who was not even a true-red-Republican: Wendell Wilkie. He was the most unlikely and undisciplined of candidates.
In this fascinating account of the 1940 election, we see both the Wilkie and Roosevelt personalities on display, the infighting of both political parties, and the triumph of Roosevelt, being the first (and only) president ever elected to three terms. (Of course, he would also go on to win a fourth.)
In this fascinating account of the 1940 election, we see both the Wilkie and Roosevelt personalities on display, the infighting of both political parties, and the triumph of Roosevelt, being the first (and only) president ever elected to three terms. (Of course, he would also go on to win a fourth.)
March 30, 2022
A very well written and absolutely fascinating book. I learned so much about Lindbergh (a genuine Nazi) and Wilkie (a really wonderful leader). One especially interesting tidbit was the suggestion that FDR and Wilkie who had run against each other in 1940 later were having serious talks together about forming a new political party comprised of more progressive Republicans and Democrats. Sadly, they both died before anything meaningful could be accomplished on this. Wilkie died of a heart attack in 1944 at only 52 and FDR passed away in 1945.
(Wilkie predicted a “United Nations”)
(Wilkie predicted a “United Nations”)
February 26, 2024
Lots of information I was not very familiar with in this one, particularly concerning specifics about Charles Lindbergh's questionable actions prior to World War 2. Interesting that both FDR and Wilkie both pretended to be on the side of the isolationists during the presidential election of 1940 and then dropped the pretense immediately after the votes were counted. I suppose that politics never changes. The controversy over whether FDR would or should run for a third term was more or less the central focus of the book, but there was lots of information on other relevant topics as well.
August 2, 2017
I had to stop reading after the first two chapters because of a brain tumor. After surgery, it took a while to get my energy and focus back, but this book provided a great motivation. I chose this title because it covers a period I know well, but from a political angle which was foreign territory to me. I learned a lot about labor, foreign relations, personalities, and whistle-stop campaigning, all written in a clear and engaging narrative. Great food for mind and spirit!
March 22, 2021
This is an outstanding account of the events of 1940. Dunn has done an immense amount of research and she is an excellent writer. All the characters she presents are fleshed out and are interesting. Her account of how FDR maneuvered the convention to renominate him is so well done. Her account of the strength of the isolationist movement is excellent and her discussions of Willke and Lindbergh are insightful and masterful.
This is history at its best.
This is history at its best.
July 31, 2024
Great read showing we have had elements from today's political scene before. Same characteristics but sometimes combined in unique ways. FDR was trying to get the US into the war at one point. But isolationists were okay with Jewish treatment of the Nazi, at least enough to appease. Amazing the views people took when it really looked like Germany would win. It would have been interesting to know how one would have viewed the world in 1940 when the outcome was unclear.
October 14, 2024
Excellent look at events and personalities leading up to FDR's decision to run for an unprecedented third term. Cast of characters include FDR and his universe, Wilkie, Joe Kennedy, and Lindbergh. Though it may not seem like there is much to learn from that pivotal year of 1940, I would argue that things like America First, nativism, eugenics, and the response to agression, has echoes in the Twenty-First Century. Listened to the audiobook.
October 10, 2020
A perfectly serviceable history of an election that really is as simple as it was portrayed in school. However, a lot of good details on the mind-boggling isolationism of the Republican Party in the run-up to World War 2. Full blog post here: https://tylerwolanin.com/2020/10/8/wh...
November 14, 2020
An entertaining history of a year when we faced a presidential election in troubling times -- just 80 years ago. It gives me hope that we can deal with our own troubling times. It is quite curious that the segregated south was all for stopping Hitler while many liberals saw it as exploitation by arms merchants, the British and the Jews.
October 28, 2021
Brings a great overview of Willkie’s role in FDR’s policy, as well as a great overall description of how important the third term was. One of the most important years in the history of the United States; I am once again amazed by how well Susan Dunn writes and will most surely use some of the resources from the book in my research.
December 6, 2017
Interesting debate about FDR's decision to seek a third term at a time of war in Europe and the Far East. The issues were different (isolationists vs. internationalists), but the political arguments show some interesting parallels to our contemporary political landscape.
March 15, 2019
An insightful overview of important topics shaping the 1940 election. Explores isolationism, America First, Willkie's candidacy, anti-third term Democrats, Charles A. Lindbergh, American Nazis, and internationalism.
May 19, 2022
Good Solid History
I really liked this book. The author had done extensive research and it shows in a well paced narrative focused on the year leading up to the 1940 election. Highly recommended!
I really liked this book. The author had done extensive research and it shows in a well paced narrative focused on the year leading up to the 1940 election. Highly recommended!
May 25, 2018
Very readable general audience appropriate recount of the 1940 U.S. Presidential election.
January 3, 2021
Started out slow and hard to read, but the writing picked up the pace in the middle
June 7, 2021
i enjoy reading about fdr and that time period. this book gave me more understanding about the events and people at that time. fdr and willkie had a lot in common and would have been good presidential team.
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