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Uniting America: How FDR and Henry Stimson Brought Democrats and Republicans Together to Win World War II
The untold story of the most crucial bipartisan alliance in United States history.
As Adolf Hitler’s Nazi armies threatened Europe, Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt urged a divided America to mobilize to defend democracy and freedom. Many Republicans accused FDR of leading the nation needlessly into war and demanded that America remain neutral. On June 20, 1940, FDR shocked the country by announcing that two prominent Republicans would take posts in his cabinet. Henry Stimson, former President Herbert Hoover’s secretary of state, became secretary of war, and Frank Knox, the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 1936, became secretary of the navy.
Roosevelt intended the appointments to build national unity. But building a coalition across party lines was a risky move that could have backfired politically. It also placed a bipartisan relationship at the center of America’s confrontation with global fascism. FDR’s Republican allies went on to play critical roles in leading the war effort, and many bills passed Congress during the war years with strong backing from both parties. Following Roosevelt’s death, Stimson continued to champion bipartisanship under President Truman in the closing chapter of the war. This alliance stands as a historic example of united leadership in a nation scarred by political division.
Uniting America is the first book to paint a full portrait of this extraordinary collaboration, tracing it back to its origins in 1933. Author Peter Shinkle reveals the true extent of bipartisanship during the war, including previously undisclosed information about Stimson’s work with 1940 Republican presidential nominee Wendell Willkie and other Republicans who supported FDR. This fascinating and deeply researched book is a must-read for anyone who believes America must once again unite to defend democracy at home and abroad.
As Adolf Hitler’s Nazi armies threatened Europe, Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt urged a divided America to mobilize to defend democracy and freedom. Many Republicans accused FDR of leading the nation needlessly into war and demanded that America remain neutral. On June 20, 1940, FDR shocked the country by announcing that two prominent Republicans would take posts in his cabinet. Henry Stimson, former President Herbert Hoover’s secretary of state, became secretary of war, and Frank Knox, the Republican vice-presidential candidate in 1936, became secretary of the navy.
Roosevelt intended the appointments to build national unity. But building a coalition across party lines was a risky move that could have backfired politically. It also placed a bipartisan relationship at the center of America’s confrontation with global fascism. FDR’s Republican allies went on to play critical roles in leading the war effort, and many bills passed Congress during the war years with strong backing from both parties. Following Roosevelt’s death, Stimson continued to champion bipartisanship under President Truman in the closing chapter of the war. This alliance stands as a historic example of united leadership in a nation scarred by political division.
Uniting America is the first book to paint a full portrait of this extraordinary collaboration, tracing it back to its origins in 1933. Author Peter Shinkle reveals the true extent of bipartisanship during the war, including previously undisclosed information about Stimson’s work with 1940 Republican presidential nominee Wendell Willkie and other Republicans who supported FDR. This fascinating and deeply researched book is a must-read for anyone who believes America must once again unite to defend democracy at home and abroad.
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2022
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August 6, 2022
In 1940, Americans embraced isolationism. The horrible losses of WWI were still fresh. What business did we have ‘saving’ Europe in the first place? America First advocates included prominent men like Charles Lindbergh and Henry Ford. Fascism was taking over Europe with Mussolini in Italy and Hitler in Germany. Some thought fascism was the inevitable next step, like Joseph P. Kennedy believed while serving as ambassador to Britain, or that there was no stopping Hitler anyway so why try. And besides, for capitalists, it was better than communism.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was up for reelection in1940 and feared the Republicans would choose an isolationist challenger. If America did not aid the allies, Nazis would take over all of Europe. And they might not stop there.
FDR came up with a bold plan. It was an idea that seems incomprehensible in today’s political climate. He would unite America by his example. His cabinet would be bipartisan. He appointed Republicans to his cabinet; Henry Stimson who was secretary of state under President Hoover, and Frank Knox, the 1936 vice presidential nominee would be secretary of the navy–the post FDR himself once held.
In an unexpected move, the Republicans nominated Wendell Willkie as their nominee. As Republicans in FDR’s government reached out to their party’s liberals, Willkie became an ally as well, even agreeing to not attack specific FDR policies while on the campaign trail.
Shinkle shares Stimson’s diary and documents to support the history he writes about, and yet it almost defies belief. At the end of the book, he shares that subsequent presidents used bipartisanship—or not, in the case of Donald Trump.
Stimson played a pivotal role in FDR’s government. He had been a critic of the New Deal, and would challenge FDR when needed. He had supported President Wilson’s declaration of war in 1917. And he supported ending the Neutrality Act which curtailed American aid or financial transactions with any foreign country at war. Under this law, America could not aid a country that was attacked by an aggressor. He supported American intervention in Europe and promoted FDR’s policies of lend-lease, and later the draft.
The battles they fought were rife with conflict. FDR was under pressure to Integrate the army, with a planned march on Washington forcing his hand. The integration of war industries led to white violence against blacks. These policies led to Southern Democrats to leave the party.
With FDR’s death in office, Stimson was sidelined by President Truman. The history suggests the use of the atom bomb was unnecessary. Stimson urged Truman to share the weapon with the allies to prevent a “secret armament race;” as we well know, Truman ignored that advice and we have lived with an arms race ever since.
FDR and Willkie had discussed reshaping the political parties after the war, moving the liberals of each party to the Democratic side and the conservatives to the Republican side. Their early deaths prevented them from following their plan, but their vision proved to be inevitable.
Shinkle reminds that there are some embers burning of bipartisanship today, but to save American democracy, President Biden and Republicans must be willing to “look beyond the narrow interests of political parties” to do “what is right for the country and democracy.”
It’s an amazing story about amazing men, the like of which we have not seen in a long time.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was up for reelection in1940 and feared the Republicans would choose an isolationist challenger. If America did not aid the allies, Nazis would take over all of Europe. And they might not stop there.
FDR came up with a bold plan. It was an idea that seems incomprehensible in today’s political climate. He would unite America by his example. His cabinet would be bipartisan. He appointed Republicans to his cabinet; Henry Stimson who was secretary of state under President Hoover, and Frank Knox, the 1936 vice presidential nominee would be secretary of the navy–the post FDR himself once held.
In an unexpected move, the Republicans nominated Wendell Willkie as their nominee. As Republicans in FDR’s government reached out to their party’s liberals, Willkie became an ally as well, even agreeing to not attack specific FDR policies while on the campaign trail.
Shinkle shares Stimson’s diary and documents to support the history he writes about, and yet it almost defies belief. At the end of the book, he shares that subsequent presidents used bipartisanship—or not, in the case of Donald Trump.
Stimson played a pivotal role in FDR’s government. He had been a critic of the New Deal, and would challenge FDR when needed. He had supported President Wilson’s declaration of war in 1917. And he supported ending the Neutrality Act which curtailed American aid or financial transactions with any foreign country at war. Under this law, America could not aid a country that was attacked by an aggressor. He supported American intervention in Europe and promoted FDR’s policies of lend-lease, and later the draft.
The battles they fought were rife with conflict. FDR was under pressure to Integrate the army, with a planned march on Washington forcing his hand. The integration of war industries led to white violence against blacks. These policies led to Southern Democrats to leave the party.
With FDR’s death in office, Stimson was sidelined by President Truman. The history suggests the use of the atom bomb was unnecessary. Stimson urged Truman to share the weapon with the allies to prevent a “secret armament race;” as we well know, Truman ignored that advice and we have lived with an arms race ever since.
FDR and Willkie had discussed reshaping the political parties after the war, moving the liberals of each party to the Democratic side and the conservatives to the Republican side. Their early deaths prevented them from following their plan, but their vision proved to be inevitable.
Shinkle reminds that there are some embers burning of bipartisanship today, but to save American democracy, President Biden and Republicans must be willing to “look beyond the narrow interests of political parties” to do “what is right for the country and democracy.”
It’s an amazing story about amazing men, the like of which we have not seen in a long time.
I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.
August 18, 2022
Peter Shinkle’s “Uniting America” sounded interesting, with hopefully enough substance to increase the basics I possess concerning this era in history. There are over one thousand footnotes, usually a good sign as research should serve to bolster the author’s claims.
Choosing a Republican for a Cabinet post, while not something that happens with every administration, is an excellent idea if you hope to unite the two major political parties during a dangerous time in history. Bringing three on board could be reasoned as genius. Republican Henry Stimson, tapped to work as the Secretary of War, is not a radical pick for President Roosevelt. “Stimson represented a brand of progressive Republican whose internationalist views often agreed with [New York] Times editorials.” At the same time, Stimson did criticize the domestic path FDR had taken, stating “national strength is not prompted by an extravagance which comes dangerously near the impairment of our national credit. National unity is not promoted by appeals to class spirit. Nor is it promoted by methods which tend to disrupt the patriotism of either party or the effective cooperation of the two, upon which the coordinate working of the American Government depends.” If the author intended for his book to unite the parties while in the midst of the current fractious nature of our government’s leadership, one may wish for 21st Century leaders to bravely step forward and echo Stimson’s words.
Mr. Shinkle says he hopes for an America that will unite to defend this country. I, too, have said the same. In his epilogue, he unleashed a blistering attack with statements guaranteed to inflame the hearts and minds of millions who do not agree with his printed words. I will stand up and fight for his right to speak his mind. At the same time, there is not one grain of compromise in what he says and thus he courts failure. All the pages I read previous to his last words are now visible under a new light. Is FDR the man the author described as having a “…practiced hand at building alliances across dividing lines,” or could a different writer interpret those actions as ones coming from a cunning politician, someone who above everyone else had his own goals always in mind? Consider that FDR worked toward moving all liberal politicians (both Democratic and Republican) to FDR’s party while combining conservative Republicans with the Southern Democrats “…who supported segregation and white supremacy.” Stimson is one of those Progressive Republicans FDR would have liked in the new Democrat Party.
Mr. Shinkle does caution the readers that “…any errors in this book, as well as any opinions, are mine alone.” I wish Mr. Shinkle would have chosen to not compose an epilogue or, if he felt he had to, would have tempered his actions to match those of his hero, FDR. For the history alone I would recommend folks to read this book and then – if you wish – examine it and determine its value using your own criteria. Three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
Choosing a Republican for a Cabinet post, while not something that happens with every administration, is an excellent idea if you hope to unite the two major political parties during a dangerous time in history. Bringing three on board could be reasoned as genius. Republican Henry Stimson, tapped to work as the Secretary of War, is not a radical pick for President Roosevelt. “Stimson represented a brand of progressive Republican whose internationalist views often agreed with [New York] Times editorials.” At the same time, Stimson did criticize the domestic path FDR had taken, stating “national strength is not prompted by an extravagance which comes dangerously near the impairment of our national credit. National unity is not promoted by appeals to class spirit. Nor is it promoted by methods which tend to disrupt the patriotism of either party or the effective cooperation of the two, upon which the coordinate working of the American Government depends.” If the author intended for his book to unite the parties while in the midst of the current fractious nature of our government’s leadership, one may wish for 21st Century leaders to bravely step forward and echo Stimson’s words.
Mr. Shinkle says he hopes for an America that will unite to defend this country. I, too, have said the same. In his epilogue, he unleashed a blistering attack with statements guaranteed to inflame the hearts and minds of millions who do not agree with his printed words. I will stand up and fight for his right to speak his mind. At the same time, there is not one grain of compromise in what he says and thus he courts failure. All the pages I read previous to his last words are now visible under a new light. Is FDR the man the author described as having a “…practiced hand at building alliances across dividing lines,” or could a different writer interpret those actions as ones coming from a cunning politician, someone who above everyone else had his own goals always in mind? Consider that FDR worked toward moving all liberal politicians (both Democratic and Republican) to FDR’s party while combining conservative Republicans with the Southern Democrats “…who supported segregation and white supremacy.” Stimson is one of those Progressive Republicans FDR would have liked in the new Democrat Party.
Mr. Shinkle does caution the readers that “…any errors in this book, as well as any opinions, are mine alone.” I wish Mr. Shinkle would have chosen to not compose an epilogue or, if he felt he had to, would have tempered his actions to match those of his hero, FDR. For the history alone I would recommend folks to read this book and then – if you wish – examine it and determine its value using your own criteria. Three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary electronic copy of this book.
October 4, 2022
Strong Historical Exposition Marred By Back Half Of Epilogue. This is a book that was an absolute 5* read... until potentially the last few pages. It is well documented at 31% of the text, and even claims to have a handful of previously unreported facts - which given just how *libraries* have been filled with even solely nonfiction tomes on everything to do with WWII, would be quite a feat indeed if accurate. As with most histories of its type, it spends a few chapters both before and after the period directly in question, setting it in its context and showing its aftermath, respectively, with the bulk of the narrative focused on the core thesis. Through all of this, and even through the first half of the epilogue, this book truly is remarkable.
But then... Shinkle just *had* to put his thoughts on more recent events, particularly political events of the last few years, in the same tome, and in its last pages to boot. This is *worse* than being a "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" scenario where the tale should have ended *shortly* after the coronation of Aragorn, as in this instance it is more akin to ending Return of the King with a few pages discussing the events of Star Wars: Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi and trying to tie the two together. Yes, there are some *very high level* similarities. But if you've just spent 300 ish pages discussing the very *minutia* of the one thing, and then you try to zoom out to an International Space Station level to get a view that *might* *maybe* support linking this other thing to that first thing... it ultimately sours the taste of the overall meal.
Still, ultimately this narrative *is* a strong and interesting one that anyone seeking to more fully understand WWII should read. Just ignore the final few pages. You'll know them when you encounter them. Recommended.
But then... Shinkle just *had* to put his thoughts on more recent events, particularly political events of the last few years, in the same tome, and in its last pages to boot. This is *worse* than being a "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" scenario where the tale should have ended *shortly* after the coronation of Aragorn, as in this instance it is more akin to ending Return of the King with a few pages discussing the events of Star Wars: Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi and trying to tie the two together. Yes, there are some *very high level* similarities. But if you've just spent 300 ish pages discussing the very *minutia* of the one thing, and then you try to zoom out to an International Space Station level to get a view that *might* *maybe* support linking this other thing to that first thing... it ultimately sours the taste of the overall meal.
Still, ultimately this narrative *is* a strong and interesting one that anyone seeking to more fully understand WWII should read. Just ignore the final few pages. You'll know them when you encounter them. Recommended.
September 17, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the book up until the epiloge. And even there, I would agree with his conclusion regarding the need for more bipartinship within our modern political system. Party ideals are less important than the moral and social issues that need to drive law making. And because we have a constitution still in place, we still need to fall within that as our basic premise.
I have always been intrigued by World War II; both the battles and the war effort. But the greatest battles were fought politically. I felt that the book narrated this quite well. FDR and Stimson were at the helm in bringing the politics together, from before the United States entered the war until after.
Of all the book, one portion of the epiloge was disconcerting. I think the comparison between Trump and the Nazis was unwarranted. I don't see the close parallel as penned by the author. Instead, I see the author's intrepretation of the January 6 situation to discredit. Instead, I see a type of partinship fostered by the author himself, with kernals of information pieced together to create his narrative.
I have always been intrigued by World War II; both the battles and the war effort. But the greatest battles were fought politically. I felt that the book narrated this quite well. FDR and Stimson were at the helm in bringing the politics together, from before the United States entered the war until after.
Of all the book, one portion of the epiloge was disconcerting. I think the comparison between Trump and the Nazis was unwarranted. I don't see the close parallel as penned by the author. Instead, I see the author's intrepretation of the January 6 situation to discredit. Instead, I see a type of partinship fostered by the author himself, with kernals of information pieced together to create his narrative.
July 18, 2022
This is an excellent history of the relationship between FDR and Henry Stimson his Republican Secretary of War. They worked well together as a team, not always agreeing, prior to and during World War II. Stimson used his long relationships with Republicans in Congress to slowly get the majority of them on board with the need to begin a buildup in defense spending prior to the war and then helping to deter efforts to second guess the strategies used during World War II without always agreeing with them himself. This is well written and researched book making it an enjoyable read.
I received a free ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
I received a free ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.
October 11, 2022
Mr. Shinkle makes a strong case for bipartisan warfighting and the Roosevelt Administrations' handling of the War. President Roosevelt was wise enough to offer the job of Secretary of War to Mr. Henry Stimson for the second time in 1940 to do the same job he had done in 1911-1913 paving the way for the rapid expansion of the U.S. Army in 1940/1941. Stimson was quite clearly the most experienced and qualified man for the job, but he was also a Republican, and Roosevelt was wise enough to not allow partisanship to cloud his judgment in this case.
June 2, 2022
Uniting America by Peter Shinkle On many levels this was an interesting, informative book to read. The main story concerns the political partnership between Henry Stimson a Republican and Franklin Roosevelt a Democrat during the late 1930’s through WW II. Mr. Shinkle does an excellent job in describing the advantage to both for the cooperation on difficult political subjects. FDR in spite of his significant wins and super majorities in both Houses of Congress often did not lead but waited for the country to catch up to what he would then proposes. This was especially the case for moving the country away from being Isolationists and not preparing for WW II. Stimson helped provide him cover with the Republicans by being for the Draft and a major expansion of funds to build up the military. This was also true for helping to get the votes to repeal the laws that prevented the US from a government as well as from private industry selling weapons, food, oil and other supplies to the victim in the wars breaking out between Japan and China or Germany and the UK. One point new to me was that it was Stimson who went the England, met with Churchill prior to D-Day and came back and convinced FDR that the leader for the invasion could not be a British General as they were still in shock and denial from Dunkirk. FDR was able to convince Churchill that it should be an American and this is how it came to be that Eisenhower was in charge. If I find one fault with the book it is Mr. Shinkle is by profession a journalist and the writing is very fact based with punchy short sentences and paragraphs. I would have like the book more if there was a bit more story telling or speculation. There is a degree in writing now called creative non-fiction. I think this is a book that could use a sprinkle of creative flow to this interesting time.
April 23, 2023
Not so many ago, in a land not so far away, Democratics and Republicans, rivals domestically, joined to win World War II. “Uniting America” is their story. The main actors were President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Army Secretary Henry Stimson and Navy Secretary Frank Knox. Theirs is an extraordinary tale. These were no RINOS or mere tokens. Henry Stimson had served as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York under Theodore Roosevelt, unsuccessful candidate for governor of New York, Secretary of War under William Howard Taft, Governor General of the Philippines under Calvin Coolidge and Secretary of State under Herbert Hoover. Newspaperman Frank Knox had been the Republican nominee for vice-president in 1936.
Though circling each other for decades in New York politics, Stimson and FDR first met, at the president-elect’s request, at Hyde Park on January 9, 1933. During what probably constituted the presidential transition of 1932, the two exchanged thoughts on issues, resulting in Roosevelt’s adoption of Stimson’s declaration that Japan’s annexation of Manchuria violated international law. Thus, began perhaps the most important bipartisan political alliance n American political history.
Timing of their moves was crucial. Accepting appointment just before the Republican National Convention of 1940, Stimson and Knox sent a challenge to the isolationist wing of their party and may have affected the election of that year. As amazing as GOP stalwarts joining a Democratic administration, was FDR’s willingness to turn leadership of the war making arms of government over to the very loyal opposition. During and after the campaign, Stimson served as a back-door conduit to Republican 1940 presidential nominee, Wendell Willkie in obtaining support for, or at least preventing open opposition to crucial legislative initiative. Willkie’s support for a form of selective service and silence on the deal to transfer destroyers to Britain facilitated approval of programs on which American preparedness depended.
Controversy could not be avoided. Stimson’s correspondence to Republican Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge noting that his knowledge and experience “will greatly enhance your usefulness to the country as a a United States Senator” threw FDR into a rage. When Stimson issued a ruling that active-duty Army personnel could not seek political office, Republicans claimed it attempted to prevent a presidential run by Gen. MacArthur.
Wielding the investigator’s equivalent of a jewelers’ magnifier, Author Peter Shinkle searches each facet and detects every flaw to account for impacts of the Roosevelt-Stimson partnership. Stimson admitted that the President’s project that materialized in the Doolittle raid had positive morale results domestically and internationally, but produced Japanese reprisals in China. Stimson appointed Gen. Joseph Stillwell to Command in Burma over Chiang’s objections, frustrated the President’s plan to name New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia a general, employing him instead in radio broadcasts to Italy, and persuaded FDR to insist on an American commander of Overlord over a Briton with flagging enthusiasm for the invasion. President and Secretary cooperated in a minimally successful proposal for federal ballots for soldiers and sailors that ran into partisan and racially motivated opposition. Chapters are devoted to struggles over rights for black Americans and the forced internment of Japanese-Americans and their impact on the reputations of Roosevelt Stimson and Knox. Perhaps their most prescient initiative was for party realignment, with liberals congregating in the Democratic Party and conservatives in the Republican. Neither would live to see it, but we have. Are we better off today than we were in an age in which partisans saw cooperators across the aisle, rather than exclusively within their own parties?
The ascension of Harry Truman brought a diminished role for Stimson. Perhaps reflecting his preference for officials tested in electoral strife and limited confidence in his own abilities, the new president turned to Secretary of State James Byrnes for advice on issues of peace. Shinkle provides an excellent account of the internal debate over whether to permit Japan to retain the Emperor in a peace settlement or to continue to demand unconditional surrender and use the atomic bomb to end the war. Truman followed Byrnes until after the bombs had been dropped, only to accept surrender with the Emperor as Stimson had been recommending for months.
Some reviewers have criticized the Epilogue for its unfavorable comparison of President Trump and other contemporary figures to the Roosevelt-Stimson team. I view the Epilogue as the author’s attempt to tie historical precedent to current challenges. Readers and reviewers should be cognizant of the message of this work which is, as stated by the author, “we did it before, we can do it again.” Those agreeing with the description of recent event will enjoy this to the end. A different view of the Epilogue is fair, but should not diminish appreciation for an excellent and, in my experience unprecedented, historical study of an otherwise overlooked segment of our history.
Though circling each other for decades in New York politics, Stimson and FDR first met, at the president-elect’s request, at Hyde Park on January 9, 1933. During what probably constituted the presidential transition of 1932, the two exchanged thoughts on issues, resulting in Roosevelt’s adoption of Stimson’s declaration that Japan’s annexation of Manchuria violated international law. Thus, began perhaps the most important bipartisan political alliance n American political history.
Timing of their moves was crucial. Accepting appointment just before the Republican National Convention of 1940, Stimson and Knox sent a challenge to the isolationist wing of their party and may have affected the election of that year. As amazing as GOP stalwarts joining a Democratic administration, was FDR’s willingness to turn leadership of the war making arms of government over to the very loyal opposition. During and after the campaign, Stimson served as a back-door conduit to Republican 1940 presidential nominee, Wendell Willkie in obtaining support for, or at least preventing open opposition to crucial legislative initiative. Willkie’s support for a form of selective service and silence on the deal to transfer destroyers to Britain facilitated approval of programs on which American preparedness depended.
Controversy could not be avoided. Stimson’s correspondence to Republican Sen. Henry Cabot Lodge noting that his knowledge and experience “will greatly enhance your usefulness to the country as a a United States Senator” threw FDR into a rage. When Stimson issued a ruling that active-duty Army personnel could not seek political office, Republicans claimed it attempted to prevent a presidential run by Gen. MacArthur.
Wielding the investigator’s equivalent of a jewelers’ magnifier, Author Peter Shinkle searches each facet and detects every flaw to account for impacts of the Roosevelt-Stimson partnership. Stimson admitted that the President’s project that materialized in the Doolittle raid had positive morale results domestically and internationally, but produced Japanese reprisals in China. Stimson appointed Gen. Joseph Stillwell to Command in Burma over Chiang’s objections, frustrated the President’s plan to name New York mayor Fiorello LaGuardia a general, employing him instead in radio broadcasts to Italy, and persuaded FDR to insist on an American commander of Overlord over a Briton with flagging enthusiasm for the invasion. President and Secretary cooperated in a minimally successful proposal for federal ballots for soldiers and sailors that ran into partisan and racially motivated opposition. Chapters are devoted to struggles over rights for black Americans and the forced internment of Japanese-Americans and their impact on the reputations of Roosevelt Stimson and Knox. Perhaps their most prescient initiative was for party realignment, with liberals congregating in the Democratic Party and conservatives in the Republican. Neither would live to see it, but we have. Are we better off today than we were in an age in which partisans saw cooperators across the aisle, rather than exclusively within their own parties?
The ascension of Harry Truman brought a diminished role for Stimson. Perhaps reflecting his preference for officials tested in electoral strife and limited confidence in his own abilities, the new president turned to Secretary of State James Byrnes for advice on issues of peace. Shinkle provides an excellent account of the internal debate over whether to permit Japan to retain the Emperor in a peace settlement or to continue to demand unconditional surrender and use the atomic bomb to end the war. Truman followed Byrnes until after the bombs had been dropped, only to accept surrender with the Emperor as Stimson had been recommending for months.
Some reviewers have criticized the Epilogue for its unfavorable comparison of President Trump and other contemporary figures to the Roosevelt-Stimson team. I view the Epilogue as the author’s attempt to tie historical precedent to current challenges. Readers and reviewers should be cognizant of the message of this work which is, as stated by the author, “we did it before, we can do it again.” Those agreeing with the description of recent event will enjoy this to the end. A different view of the Epilogue is fair, but should not diminish appreciation for an excellent and, in my experience unprecedented, historical study of an otherwise overlooked segment of our history.
October 15, 2022
As Europe faced the rise of Hitler and Mussolini and Japan began it’s invasion of Manchuria, America was experiencing a growing rise of isolationism. FDR’s support of the Neutrality Act was seen by Henry Stimson, a former Secretary of State under Hoover, as an effort to appease the isolationists. Stimson was alarmed by the rise of fascism and felt we should be working more closely with the League of Nations. FDR later worked to repeal the embargo portion of the act as hostilities grew in an effort to provide assistance to our allies. While Stimson had some issues with FDR’s domestic issues, he urged Republicans to support FDR’s foreign policies. In an effort to bring the parties together, FDR proposed a unity conference with representatives of both parties. He also supported a plan to place several prominent Republicans in his cabinet.
Peter Shinkle explores the relationship between FDR and Stimson that was built on mutual trust and respect. It is a beautifully written lesson in history as he explains the events in Europe and Asia and how they effected the policies and decisions at home. He opens with a look at the early careers of these two men. He takes you through the elections at home, the rise of fascism, events leading up to our entry into the war and the decisions that we faced after the end of hostilities. In his epilogue, Shinkle explores the divisions facing us today, including the accusations of stolen elections and the January 6th assault. After exploring the efforts to unite America, it is somewhat dispiriting to end on today’s political divisions. As a lesson in history this was a fascinating read. I thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for making this book available for my review.
Peter Shinkle explores the relationship between FDR and Stimson that was built on mutual trust and respect. It is a beautifully written lesson in history as he explains the events in Europe and Asia and how they effected the policies and decisions at home. He opens with a look at the early careers of these two men. He takes you through the elections at home, the rise of fascism, events leading up to our entry into the war and the decisions that we faced after the end of hostilities. In his epilogue, Shinkle explores the divisions facing us today, including the accusations of stolen elections and the January 6th assault. After exploring the efforts to unite America, it is somewhat dispiriting to end on today’s political divisions. As a lesson in history this was a fascinating read. I thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for making this book available for my review.
October 11, 2022
FDR and Harry Stimson During WWII
If nothing else, FDR was a very clever politician who knew how to manipulate circumstances to get what he wanted. In the lead up to the US entering WWII many in the country were isolationists. Roosevelt believed that it was necessary to enter the war in Europe, but he knew the fight would be much more difficult if the country remained divided.
Cleverly, Roosevelt used his cabinet appointments to signal bipartisanship. One of the most successful appointments was Harry Stimson as Secretary of War. Stimson worked tirelessly to further the unity of America to prepare for and conduct the war. I found the use of Stimson’s diary in this book very interesting. It gave an intimate perspective of someone close to Roosevelt and at the center of power.
On the positive side, this book is well written and very well researched. I’ve read a lot of WWII history, but this book added additional nuances. I highly recommend the book up until the end of the Epilogue. Here the author airs his own opinions about the current state of the country. I believe that he would like to see more bipartisanship in the government, but I think his point would have been made better without trying to tie the current political situation to FDRs handling of bipartisanship prior to and during WWII.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
If nothing else, FDR was a very clever politician who knew how to manipulate circumstances to get what he wanted. In the lead up to the US entering WWII many in the country were isolationists. Roosevelt believed that it was necessary to enter the war in Europe, but he knew the fight would be much more difficult if the country remained divided.
Cleverly, Roosevelt used his cabinet appointments to signal bipartisanship. One of the most successful appointments was Harry Stimson as Secretary of War. Stimson worked tirelessly to further the unity of America to prepare for and conduct the war. I found the use of Stimson’s diary in this book very interesting. It gave an intimate perspective of someone close to Roosevelt and at the center of power.
On the positive side, this book is well written and very well researched. I’ve read a lot of WWII history, but this book added additional nuances. I highly recommend the book up until the end of the Epilogue. Here the author airs his own opinions about the current state of the country. I believe that he would like to see more bipartisanship in the government, but I think his point would have been made better without trying to tie the current political situation to FDRs handling of bipartisanship prior to and during WWII.
I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.
January 9, 2023
This is the second book published by Peter Shinkle https://petershinkle.com. Uniting America was published in 2022. This is the 83rd book I completed in 2022.
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! I categorize this book/novel as G.
With the Nazis seeming to be unstoppable in Europe, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the need to prepare America in spite of the strong isolationist movement. FDR appointed Republican Henry Lewis Stimson to be his Secretary of War in July of 1940.
The book begins by telling about their lives. Stimpson and FDR had a good working relationship, though they did not always agree. Once Stimpson is in office he must face many challenges both military and political.
As head of the US Army, Stimpson had to bring them up to strength. This was in an often unfavorable political climate until 7 December 1941. He became involved in the diplomatic crisis that preceded the Japanese attack on Perl Harbor.
He faced demands for desegregation from both within the Army and in the factories supplying war material. This included dealing with significant racial tension and, in some cases, riots. He also had to address how women could be integrated into the Army. The election of 1944 brought its own challenges. Absentee voting by personnel in units all over the world had to be counted in a timely fashion.
While the British were our staunch allies, Stimpson had many heated discussions with Prime Minister Churchill and his military staff. This was particularly the case with plans for the invasion of France.
Together, Stimpson and FDR had to face and overcome many inflammatory issues to win WWII.
I enjoyed the 13+ hours I spent reading this 451-page WWII-era history. The book is a bit slow, but I found it very interesting. While it seems long at 451 pages, the last 30% are notes and citations. The cover is plain, but it does focus on the two principles. I give this book a rating of 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this book through https://www.netgalley.com with the expectation of delivering a fair and honest review. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! I categorize this book/novel as G.
With the Nazis seeming to be unstoppable in Europe, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the need to prepare America in spite of the strong isolationist movement. FDR appointed Republican Henry Lewis Stimson to be his Secretary of War in July of 1940.
The book begins by telling about their lives. Stimpson and FDR had a good working relationship, though they did not always agree. Once Stimpson is in office he must face many challenges both military and political.
As head of the US Army, Stimpson had to bring them up to strength. This was in an often unfavorable political climate until 7 December 1941. He became involved in the diplomatic crisis that preceded the Japanese attack on Perl Harbor.
He faced demands for desegregation from both within the Army and in the factories supplying war material. This included dealing with significant racial tension and, in some cases, riots. He also had to address how women could be integrated into the Army. The election of 1944 brought its own challenges. Absentee voting by personnel in units all over the world had to be counted in a timely fashion.
While the British were our staunch allies, Stimpson had many heated discussions with Prime Minister Churchill and his military staff. This was particularly the case with plans for the invasion of France.
Together, Stimpson and FDR had to face and overcome many inflammatory issues to win WWII.
I enjoyed the 13+ hours I spent reading this 451-page WWII-era history. The book is a bit slow, but I found it very interesting. While it seems long at 451 pages, the last 30% are notes and citations. The cover is plain, but it does focus on the two principles. I give this book a rating of 3.9 (rounded up to a 4) out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
September 23, 2022
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Shinkle makes a good argument about how Franklin Roosevelt crossed party lines to create a more bipartisan cabinet that would help him during the war years. It was an interesting read and added to my already wealth of knowledge of FDR. However, the epilogue, while I agree with it, was wholly unnecessary and detracted from the historical perspective given. If the author wanted to write a book about what's wrong with politics today, fine, but it has no place in a history book. The reader can draw their own conclusions.
Shinkle makes a good argument about how Franklin Roosevelt crossed party lines to create a more bipartisan cabinet that would help him during the war years. It was an interesting read and added to my already wealth of knowledge of FDR. However, the epilogue, while I agree with it, was wholly unnecessary and detracted from the historical perspective given. If the author wanted to write a book about what's wrong with politics today, fine, but it has no place in a history book. The reader can draw their own conclusions.
November 2, 2022
Rating 3.5/5
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Uniting America: How FDR and Henry Stimson Brought Democrats and Republicans Together to Win World War II” by Peter Shinkle is a North American history book.
I don’t usually read history books/books about politics, but this was interesting. Definitely a good read for those who enjoy North American history and politics.
[I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book]
“Uniting America: How FDR and Henry Stimson Brought Democrats and Republicans Together to Win World War II” by Peter Shinkle is a North American history book.
I don’t usually read history books/books about politics, but this was interesting. Definitely a good read for those who enjoy North American history and politics.
October 13, 2022
Title: Uniting America
Author: Peter Shinkle
Release Date: October 11th, 2022
Page Count: 464
Start Date: September 24th, 2022
Finish Date: October 9th, 2022
Review:
This book was filled with information about several important topics. I really feel like I learned very much from this book. I also love the raw honesty of all of the real situations during the time period. It also addresses the problems we still face today. I actually wound up buying my uncle a copy. He loves books like this. So far, he seems to be enjoying it as much as I did. It's well-written and very well-resourced.
Author: Peter Shinkle
Release Date: October 11th, 2022
Page Count: 464
Start Date: September 24th, 2022
Finish Date: October 9th, 2022
Review:
This book was filled with information about several important topics. I really feel like I learned very much from this book. I also love the raw honesty of all of the real situations during the time period. It also addresses the problems we still face today. I actually wound up buying my uncle a copy. He loves books like this. So far, he seems to be enjoying it as much as I did. It's well-written and very well-resourced.
April 4, 2023
Stimson was quite the public servant. I’m glad to know more about him and of his long service to our country.
As Eisenhower said, Stimson was a “man who yields not one second to such enemies as deceit, flattery, favor-seeking, or any kind of thing except truth and honesty”.
Also: Churchill was a brat.
As Eisenhower said, Stimson was a “man who yields not one second to such enemies as deceit, flattery, favor-seeking, or any kind of thing except truth and honesty”.
Also: Churchill was a brat.
August 25, 2022
Thanks for the advance copy.
November 13, 2023
Extra points for saying 1/6 was worse than the Reichstag Fire.
November 21, 2023
A great recapture of FDR alliance with republicans and success in domestic and foreign policies. 3 stars is for epilogue- it ruined the book.
October 25, 2022
I was given an advance reading copy (arc) of this book by NetGalley.com and the publisher in return for a fair review. U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) led this country during a worldwide conflict. HIs role in leadership surpassed the party system and he assigned key roles in his cabinet to both Democrats and Republicans. He was not concerned about party loyalties--he put this country first. Author Peter Shinkle did an outstanding job researching and writing about how our government officials handled such turbulent times. They not only dealt with the World War II on both the Pacific and European fronts, but also our inner turmoil starting with isolationists who did not want any part of this war (even after the bombing of Pearl Harbor), racism within the armed services and without, as well as the controversial Japanese internments. So many things were wrong, but Republicans like Henry Stimson and Democrats like the president put their differences aside, listened to each other, and worked together. Roosevelt even called upon Wendell Willkie, his Republican challenger for the presidency. Did they do everything right? Unfortunately, no, but they respected each other and knew that with that mutual respect and open communication, they could do great things and they did. I sincerely believe that this book should be required reading for all of our so-called leaders who do nothing but name-call and lay blame. Today, party loyalties seem to come before the needs of America. As the old saying goes: "United we stand; divided we fall." And we are falling. I was planning on giving this book five stars until I got to the Epilogue and the author went on a political rant. Sometimes being subtle is simply more effective. We could all learn a lesson from FDR's playbook.
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