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Pivotal Moments in American History
ROOSEVELTS SECOND ACT
"In Roosevelt's Second Act Richard Moe has shown in superb fashion that what might seem to have been an inevitable decision of comparatively little interest was far from it." - David McCullough
On August 31, 1939, nearing the end of his second and presumably final term in office, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was working in the Oval Office and contemplating construction of his presidential library and planning retirement. The next day German tanks had crossed the Polish border; Britain and France had declared war. Overnight the world had changed, and FDR found himself being forced to consider a dramatically different set of circumstances.
In Roosevelt's Second Act, Richard Moe focuses on a turning point in American political history: FDR's decision to seek a third term. Often overlooked between the passage and implementation of the New Deal and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, that decision was far from inevitable. As the election loomed, he refused to comment, confiding in no one, scrambling the politics of his own party; but after the Republicans surprisingly nominated Wendell Willkie in July 1940, FDR became convinced that no other Democrat could both maintain the legitimacy of the New Deal and mobilize the nation for war. With Hitler on the verge of conquering Europe, Roosevelt, still hedging, began to maneuver his way to the center of the political stage.
Moe offers a brilliant depiction of the duality that was FDR: the bold, perceptive, prescient and moral statesman who set lofty and principled goals, and the sometimes cautious, ambitious, arrogant and manipulative politician in pursuit of them. Immersive, insightful and written with an insider's understanding of the presidency, this book challenges and illuminates our understanding of FDR and this pivotal moment in American history.
On August 31, 1939, nearing the end of his second and presumably final term in office, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was working in the Oval Office and contemplating construction of his presidential library and planning retirement. The next day German tanks had crossed the Polish border; Britain and France had declared war. Overnight the world had changed, and FDR found himself being forced to consider a dramatically different set of circumstances.
In Roosevelt's Second Act, Richard Moe focuses on a turning point in American political history: FDR's decision to seek a third term. Often overlooked between the passage and implementation of the New Deal and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, that decision was far from inevitable. As the election loomed, he refused to comment, confiding in no one, scrambling the politics of his own party; but after the Republicans surprisingly nominated Wendell Willkie in July 1940, FDR became convinced that no other Democrat could both maintain the legitimacy of the New Deal and mobilize the nation for war. With Hitler on the verge of conquering Europe, Roosevelt, still hedging, began to maneuver his way to the center of the political stage.
Moe offers a brilliant depiction of the duality that was FDR: the bold, perceptive, prescient and moral statesman who set lofty and principled goals, and the sometimes cautious, ambitious, arrogant and manipulative politician in pursuit of them. Immersive, insightful and written with an insider's understanding of the presidency, this book challenges and illuminates our understanding of FDR and this pivotal moment in American history.
412 pages, Hardcover
First published September 9, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 18, 2024
The story of the Election of 1940, Franklin Roosevelt vs. Wendell Wilkie. Interesting, because for the first time, a major party candidate ( FDR ) was running for a third term and his opponent ( Wilkie) was an "outsider," a member of the opposite party ( the Democrats) the year before, but was able, incredibly, to sweep his way to the nomination. We see in this election cycle ( this is written in 2015), the "outsider" Trump trying to do the same thing--get the Republican nomination. Wilkie was actually an effective campaigner and FDR's victory over him was smaller than his two previous victories.
The background of the election was the escalating war in Europe. With the fall of France before Hitler's panzers in June 1940, FDR felt Britain was America's first-line of defense. Churchill and Roosevelt developed a close relationship which would prove to be the key to final victory over Germany. But, in the meantime, the opposition to FDR- "the America Firsters"- was powerful, led by American aviation hero Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh not only wanted to keep America out of the war, he admired Hitler's Nazi regime. As Richard Moe points out, Roosevelt faced the greatest crisis any American president faced since Abraham Lincoln. It was because of the war that FDR decided to take the unprecedented step to run for a third term.
Roosevelt would go on to win a fourth term during WWII in 1944 and die in office in 1945. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution would be ratified in 1951 limiting future presidents to two terms. Actually, I think that has been a mistake. I think this country would have been better off if Bill Clinton had had a third term!
The background of the election was the escalating war in Europe. With the fall of France before Hitler's panzers in June 1940, FDR felt Britain was America's first-line of defense. Churchill and Roosevelt developed a close relationship which would prove to be the key to final victory over Germany. But, in the meantime, the opposition to FDR- "the America Firsters"- was powerful, led by American aviation hero Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh not only wanted to keep America out of the war, he admired Hitler's Nazi regime. As Richard Moe points out, Roosevelt faced the greatest crisis any American president faced since Abraham Lincoln. It was because of the war that FDR decided to take the unprecedented step to run for a third term.
Roosevelt would go on to win a fourth term during WWII in 1944 and die in office in 1945. The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution would be ratified in 1951 limiting future presidents to two terms. Actually, I think that has been a mistake. I think this country would have been better off if Bill Clinton had had a third term!
September 13, 2018
I would give this one 3.5. This is the first book I have read in Oxford's "Pivotal Moments in American History" series, and I plan to read more.
Moe doesn't provide a fresh interpretation of FDR from primary sources, but this is not book's intent. Instead, Moe gives an excellent and detailed overview of the political climate of the 1940 election. I really enjoyed his coverage of FDR's path toward deciding whether to run for a third term or not.
Moe doesn't provide a fresh interpretation of FDR from primary sources, but this is not book's intent. Instead, Moe gives an excellent and detailed overview of the political climate of the 1940 election. I really enjoyed his coverage of FDR's path toward deciding whether to run for a third term or not.
July 20, 2016
A really well written look at Franklin Roosevelt’s run for a third term as President in 1940 and the impending war that convinced him to stand for a third term. Richard Moe rivals David McCullough in being able to turn what could be a dry recitation of history into a real page turner. He does an excellent job weaving the events that would ultimately involve the United States into WWII with Roosevelt’s eventual decision to run again for President. Historical figures that don’t get much ink now such as Wendell Willkie, James Farley, and John Nance Garner are brought to life. A few things stood out for me.
First, despite his well deserved reputation as a master politician, Roosevelt often let pure stubbornness derail him. His misguided and arrogant effort to pack the supreme court hurt him with Congress and Democratic Party movers and shakers right up until the U.S. entered WWII. And his insistence that Henry Wallace be named his running mate almost caused the 1940 Democratic convention to end in chaos, to the point where FDR had actually drawn up a statement declining the nomination when it appeared the delegates would defy him and nominate Speaker William Bankhead of Alabama instead. Fortunately they did not, as Bankhead would die two months later. Only a last minute save engineered by Frances Perkins and Eleanor Roosevelt saved the day and Wallace was nominated.
Second, history has often glossed over the inner turmoil Roosevelt felt at running for a third term. Politicians are usually – and(not without some justification – viewed as only interested in a craven lust for power. That does not seem to be the case here. Roosevelt was very conflicted about the prospect of another term and seemed to genuinely wish to step down. Only the fact he could not identify a clear successor that would carry on the progressive policies he had started, and his desire to make sure the United States did not sit back as Naziism spread through Europe induced him to run for a third term.
Third was the closeness of the 1940 election. The Republicans nominated a very appealing candidate in Wendell Willkie. He was young, charismatic, an internationalist, and up to a year before the 1940 campaign a Democrat and New Deal supporter. As election day drew near it was clear the momentum was with Willkie, and many in the Democratic Party viewed a Roosevelt defeat as a distinct possibility. On election night, as the first returns came in Roosevelt himself believed he might be defeated. Moe really draws out the tension here. Even though I obviously knew what the outcome would be I still found myself getting drawn in by the uncertainty of it.
Lastly, even though I knew from the outset that this book was limited to the events surrounding the 1940 election and Roosevelt’s effort to prepare the country for the possibility that the country would be drawn into war, I was disappointed at the abrupt end of the book. I guess it is a testament to Moe’s ability as a writer that I felt this way, but it did feel incomplete to me.
There have been thousands of books written about Franklin Roosevelt, many of them very good. This book belongs in that category. If you have any interest in politics, FDR, or the events precipitating the U.S. entry into WWII this book is for you.
Highly Recommended!
First, despite his well deserved reputation as a master politician, Roosevelt often let pure stubbornness derail him. His misguided and arrogant effort to pack the supreme court hurt him with Congress and Democratic Party movers and shakers right up until the U.S. entered WWII. And his insistence that Henry Wallace be named his running mate almost caused the 1940 Democratic convention to end in chaos, to the point where FDR had actually drawn up a statement declining the nomination when it appeared the delegates would defy him and nominate Speaker William Bankhead of Alabama instead. Fortunately they did not, as Bankhead would die two months later. Only a last minute save engineered by Frances Perkins and Eleanor Roosevelt saved the day and Wallace was nominated.
Second, history has often glossed over the inner turmoil Roosevelt felt at running for a third term. Politicians are usually – and(not without some justification – viewed as only interested in a craven lust for power. That does not seem to be the case here. Roosevelt was very conflicted about the prospect of another term and seemed to genuinely wish to step down. Only the fact he could not identify a clear successor that would carry on the progressive policies he had started, and his desire to make sure the United States did not sit back as Naziism spread through Europe induced him to run for a third term.
Third was the closeness of the 1940 election. The Republicans nominated a very appealing candidate in Wendell Willkie. He was young, charismatic, an internationalist, and up to a year before the 1940 campaign a Democrat and New Deal supporter. As election day drew near it was clear the momentum was with Willkie, and many in the Democratic Party viewed a Roosevelt defeat as a distinct possibility. On election night, as the first returns came in Roosevelt himself believed he might be defeated. Moe really draws out the tension here. Even though I obviously knew what the outcome would be I still found myself getting drawn in by the uncertainty of it.
Lastly, even though I knew from the outset that this book was limited to the events surrounding the 1940 election and Roosevelt’s effort to prepare the country for the possibility that the country would be drawn into war, I was disappointed at the abrupt end of the book. I guess it is a testament to Moe’s ability as a writer that I felt this way, but it did feel incomplete to me.
There have been thousands of books written about Franklin Roosevelt, many of them very good. This book belongs in that category. If you have any interest in politics, FDR, or the events precipitating the U.S. entry into WWII this book is for you.
Highly Recommended!
February 7, 2019
Though ostensibly an account of the presidential election of 1940, Richard Moe's book is essentially the history of a decision — specifically, Franklin Delano Roosevelt's decision to go against nearly a century and a half of American political tradition and run for a third term. It was an incredibly critical choice, one with momentous significance for Roosevelt's historical legacy, American political history, and indeed even the history of the world itself, for it determined that it would be he rather than a successor who would lead the United States to war in December 1941 and to the cusp of victory less than four years later.
Roosevelt's decision was also an incredibly controversial one, though, as it flew in the face of decades of presidential custom. One of the strengths of Moe's book is his summary of the two-term tradition itself, in which he argues that it was really not until well into the 19th century that serving only eight years as president became a standard expectation of presidential office holders. Yet even before Franklin Roosevelt became president in 1933 that custom was fraying at the edges, as Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and even (unacknowledged by Moe) Wilson all had sought to extend their terms, Franklin Roosevelt himself seemed accepting of it until the outbreak of the war in Europe, when the worsening geopolitical situation led him to reconsider. Part of the issue for Roosevelt was his low assessment of his potential successors from the party's ranks, namely John Nance Garner and James Farley, The lack of a clear heir led Roosevelt to conclude that he needed to run for another term, a decision that then had to be managed into a staged "draft" at the Democrats convention in an effort to counter animosity to defying the longstanding tradition.
Moe's book offers an interesting look at how Roosevelt made his momentous choice within the context of politics and world war. Yet there is little that is original in Moe's account, as he relies mainly on the mass of secondary works about Roosevelt and his contemporaries in order to construct his narrative. His dependency on them invariably channels him towards a standard narrative that makes the same points as many of the previous authors (such as the ultimately unverifiable view that, but for the issue of war, Roosevelt's Republican opponent Wendell Willkie would have won in 1940), with little fresh consideration of the subject. In this respect, Moe's book is a useful examination of an event fully justifying its inclusion in a series about the "pivotal moments in American history," but one that ultimately has little that is new to say about its subject.
Roosevelt's decision was also an incredibly controversial one, though, as it flew in the face of decades of presidential custom. One of the strengths of Moe's book is his summary of the two-term tradition itself, in which he argues that it was really not until well into the 19th century that serving only eight years as president became a standard expectation of presidential office holders. Yet even before Franklin Roosevelt became president in 1933 that custom was fraying at the edges, as Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and even (unacknowledged by Moe) Wilson all had sought to extend their terms, Franklin Roosevelt himself seemed accepting of it until the outbreak of the war in Europe, when the worsening geopolitical situation led him to reconsider. Part of the issue for Roosevelt was his low assessment of his potential successors from the party's ranks, namely John Nance Garner and James Farley, The lack of a clear heir led Roosevelt to conclude that he needed to run for another term, a decision that then had to be managed into a staged "draft" at the Democrats convention in an effort to counter animosity to defying the longstanding tradition.
Moe's book offers an interesting look at how Roosevelt made his momentous choice within the context of politics and world war. Yet there is little that is original in Moe's account, as he relies mainly on the mass of secondary works about Roosevelt and his contemporaries in order to construct his narrative. His dependency on them invariably channels him towards a standard narrative that makes the same points as many of the previous authors (such as the ultimately unverifiable view that, but for the issue of war, Roosevelt's Republican opponent Wendell Willkie would have won in 1940), with little fresh consideration of the subject. In this respect, Moe's book is a useful examination of an event fully justifying its inclusion in a series about the "pivotal moments in American history," but one that ultimately has little that is new to say about its subject.
October 5, 2014
Roosevelt’s Second Act takes a close look at the decision process that FDR used to decide to run for an unprecedented third term and the events that culminated in his election. Richard Moe takes a detailed look at the factors that Roosevelt weighed in deciding to run and the pros and cons of the sphinx like approach he took to deciding to run. By keeping his decision to himself and prolonging (almost to the day of the convention) he ensured that there would be little competition within his own party. The book examines the role of Wendel Wilkie and the start of World War II as the back drop for his victory. FDR’s victory was not guaranteed and it was his cousin TR who was unsuccessful in achieving a third term. The book gives a clear look at FDR and his inner circle (Ickes, Hopkins, Hull, and others) who were pivotal in the decision making process of convincing FDR it was necessary to run again. Overall this is an excellent addition to the Pivotal Moment’s Series and one that stands out as a moment when America changed course and held an unprecedented election since the founding of the country.
February 25, 2023
The Lawyer Richard Moe published Roosevelt’s Second Act: The Election of 1940 and the Politics of War in 2013. The book is part of the Pivotal Moments in American History series. The book contains a section of black-and-white illustrations. I read on my Kindle. The book also contains a section of notes and sources. The book includes a Selected Bibliography. Moe’s book is mainly about Franklin Roosevelt and the politics of the election of 1940. A large portion of the book is focused on Franklin Roosevelt’s decision to run for president for a third time in 1940. A major theme of the book is had the early stage of World War II in Europe shaped the presidential election of 1940. Another major theme of the book is how Franklin Roosevelt could help Great Britain with military support without upsetting the isolationist sentiments in the United States in the late 1930s. Moe writes that Franklin Roosevelt “was sometimes cautious in pursuing bold initiatives, such as preparing the country for war; he needed public opinion behind him before hugely consequential ideas could be realized. Franklin Roosevelt had to wait for Nazi Germany’s thrust into France and the Low Countries before mobilizing the country to meet the threat” (Moe 311). The book contains an appendix that contains an opinion on whether Franklin Roosevelt should run for a third term that he requested from the Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter and from the Librarian of Congress Archibald MacLeish on this same topic (Moe 315). I thought Richard Moe’s book, The Birth of Modern Politics, was an interesting book about Franklin Roosevelt and the politics of the election of 1940.
July 28, 2020
Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR), thirty-second president of the United States, was the most opaque of men. He was a mystery to even his closes family members. While no one can really know what his true feelings were about seeking an unprecedented third term as president in 1940, Richard Moe makes a convincing case that FDR was equally drawn to retirement and to serving his nation when most needed. The lack of a viable alternative Democratic candidate who was both pro-New Deal and pro-aid to the Allies in early World War II compounded the problem. The rapid German conquest of Europe, the Fall of France, and the Battle of Britain deeply alarmed FDR. Another dilemma for FDR was that if he announced he was not running, he would be a lame duck and unable to help the Allies; if, on the other hand, he announced he was running, anything he did would be viewed as benefitting his re-election. The longer he delayed an announcement or decision the more he froze the Democratic field and prevented another candidate who could win from emerging. Moe believes that FDR put off a final decision until the very last moment, which was right before the convention. .
November 17, 2017
This was an interesting take on FDR's decision to run for a third term and the issues facing the country in 1939 and 1940. Going in, I had a surface knowledge of some issues, like cash-and-carry and the Lend-Lease policy, but not much more. The book taught me a lot: about how strongly isolationist America was after WWI, Roosevelt's indecision preventing the Democrats from developing another, plausible presidential candidate (something that Roosevelt may have done intentionally, and almost certainly understood that he was doing), the absence of other political figures in the Democratic Party who would have continued the New Deal policies and adequately prepared the nation for war, and (surprisingly!) how close Wendell Wilkie was to FDR on many major issues, including war preparedness and aid to Great Britain.
Parts of the book were repetitive, and could have been streamlined, especially in the narrative leading up to the Democratic convention.
Parts of the book were repetitive, and could have been streamlined, especially in the narrative leading up to the Democratic convention.
July 22, 2018
History as it should be written
History is usually written emulating one of two ways. Heavy with a plethora of facts, dry, dull and difficult to enjoy. The other way is history light, suitable for only enjoyment. This book incorporates both. Lots of things to learn in a VERY enjoyable way. Parts of the book I enjoyed in Audible. The narrator was excellent. All I can say is BRAVO
History is usually written emulating one of two ways. Heavy with a plethora of facts, dry, dull and difficult to enjoy. The other way is history light, suitable for only enjoyment. This book incorporates both. Lots of things to learn in a VERY enjoyable way. Parts of the book I enjoyed in Audible. The narrator was excellent. All I can say is BRAVO
October 3, 2018
Excellent historical perspective on FDRs decision to seek a third term
This is historical non-fiction but it reads like a novel. Well documented and interesting even for a student of history like me. FDRs struggle with whether to run for a third term is meticulously documented. Highly recommended.
This is historical non-fiction but it reads like a novel. Well documented and interesting even for a student of history like me. FDRs struggle with whether to run for a third term is meticulously documented. Highly recommended.
May 6, 2021
Another entry in the excellent Oxford Univ. Press series "Pivotal Moments in American History," several of which I have already reviewed here over the years. The author, a former chief of staff to Walter Mondale, has a good feel for the politics of the situation and writes lucidly of the political developments. Perhaps he tries to psychoanalyze FDR too much, but all in all an enlightening book.
January 6, 2023
An excellent exploration of how FDR came to his decision to run for a third term and his struggles against the isolationists both in government and in the country at large. Well-sourced and a glimpse into his "heavily forested interior." It's best if the reader has a good general background knowledge of FDR before plunging into this tome.
Read
November 21, 2013Very good account of the the times surrounding the lead up to the election of 1940. Some great quotes in this book.
May 20, 2015
Fills in gaps left by other historians, linking FDR's third-term decision to events leading up to the war. Excellent narrator!
August 24, 2015
hard to imagine what extraordinary intellect and character he had to have to lead our country in those fraught and terrifying times
January 18, 2016
A look at the election of 1940, and how and why FDR decided to run. The author feels the 1864 and 1940 Presidential elections are the two key elections.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews