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Nineteen Weeks: America, Britain, and the Fateful Summer of 1940 – The Extraordinary Decisions That Ended Isolationism and Forged the Special Relationship
Nineteen Weeks is Norman Moss's riveting account of FDR, Churchill, and the extraordinary decisions made in 1940 that set the stage for America's interventionist role in world affairs. The weeks between May and September 1940 saw Hitler's stunning conquest of France, Britain's desperate struggle against the threat of invasion and conquest, and a passionate debate in the United States over the proper response to these events. Roosevelt's appeals to his countrymen to offer support to Europe were met with opposition from factions that wanted to maintain America's distance. When the tide of popular opinion turned from isolationism, the order of world power was altered forever.
As Moss shows, the "special relationship" between Britain and America began in that brief, crucial period, setting the tenor of future American foreign policy. His lucid history offers a fascinating window on current world events.
As Moss shows, the "special relationship" between Britain and America began in that brief, crucial period, setting the tenor of future American foreign policy. His lucid history offers a fascinating window on current world events.
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 19, 2019
Although there might not be any particularly new information contained in this book for the WWII history buff, the author has presented it in such a readable manner that it is like learning all over again. The book, as indicated by the title, covers one of the most important periods of what was soon to be WWII - a time when Britain was standing alone and begging the US to either enter the war or at least provide matérial to assist in stopping Hitler's war machine. The Nazis were turning their eyes to the the shores of the island nation and things did not look favorable. Hitler wanted to "negotiate" a peace with Britain once Churchill became PM but Churchill wasn't having any of it (even though he very briefly considered it).
The story begins with the appeasement at Munich and the political demise of Chamberlain through the end of the Blitz and Hitler's decision to call off Operation Sea Lion and attack Russia instead. The author describes the machinations of the governments of both Britain and America during these 19 weeks. It was a fascinating time when the British Empire hung in the balance and the US was hesitant to get involved.
The author wraps it all up with a short chapter on what might have happened if Britain had negotiated or fallen and Germany had been victorious. He provides sensible arguments regarding how the world might have looked based on the fact that the democratic idea would be in retreat and democracy would have failed to stand up to the military challenge of a disciplined, totalitarian society. His source material is excellent and I would recommend this book to fans of WWII history.
The story begins with the appeasement at Munich and the political demise of Chamberlain through the end of the Blitz and Hitler's decision to call off Operation Sea Lion and attack Russia instead. The author describes the machinations of the governments of both Britain and America during these 19 weeks. It was a fascinating time when the British Empire hung in the balance and the US was hesitant to get involved.
The author wraps it all up with a short chapter on what might have happened if Britain had negotiated or fallen and Germany had been victorious. He provides sensible arguments regarding how the world might have looked based on the fact that the democratic idea would be in retreat and democracy would have failed to stand up to the military challenge of a disciplined, totalitarian society. His source material is excellent and I would recommend this book to fans of WWII history.
April 19, 2019
I have read countless histories of the Second World War over the years, it is always a joy to come across one that adds new information to what's left of my memory. This book covers the period from just before the fall of France to the end of the battle of Britain. It includes well researched details of the diplomatic and political maneuvering of Churchill and particularly, Roosevelt. Roosevelt strongly felt that the continued security of the USA was tightly bound to the survival of Britain and her fleet. He had to thread the needle of aiding Britain without violating the US's neutrality acts and galvanizing the isolationist opposition.
This is a well written book that I highly recommend.
This is a well written book that I highly recommend.
July 11, 2014
This is a very well written book that interweaves events in England and the United States during the crucial summer of 1940. Norman Moss moves from the top echelons of the leaders to those who lived on the streets of America and Britain. The issues of the period are vividly depicted – the military (the RAF, the sixty U.S. destroyers that involved so much to-and-fro bargaining), social (the struggle to overcome U.S. isolationism versus intervention of some form in Europe) and political (the icons of the era – Churchill and Roosevelt). While reading, one becomes immersed into the mood and spirit of that epoch.
September 16, 2023
An enlightening history of a particular historical moment: the devastating summer of 1940, between Germany's victory in the Battle of France and its defeat in the Battle of Britain. Moss argues that this period was crucial, not merely for the military triumphs in the sea and sky, but for the diplomatic and cultural shifts that brought the United States from isolationism to full-fledged support for Britain.
This book is very readable, and full of great quotes and overlooked periods. Strongly recommended, even if I felt like it should have been 25% longer — many key moments were dealt with in passing and could have supported longer discussions with more sourcing. But even with that, this book with its focus still covers those moments in way more detail than most generalist histories of this period go into.
This book is very readable, and full of great quotes and overlooked periods. Strongly recommended, even if I felt like it should have been 25% longer — many key moments were dealt with in passing and could have supported longer discussions with more sourcing. But even with that, this book with its focus still covers those moments in way more detail than most generalist histories of this period go into.
May 28, 2022
An engrossing read by Moss about a very important time in WW2. Highly recommended
February 23, 2015
I give up. There's no way in hell I'm ever finishing this book. It's written like a history for kids, full of short, declarative sentences that tell you "this happened, and this happened, and this happened, and then somebody decided to do this," with only superficial attempts to explain why any of these things happened. Worse still, the author states things as fact which are neither factual or true. For instance:
No country would willingly accept non-contiguous territory? Really?
Really?
Come on.
Germany wanted a readjustment of the "Polish corridor" which separated East Prussia from the Rest of Germany, an arrangement that no country would willingly accept.
No country would willingly accept non-contiguous territory? Really?
Really?
Come on.
October 26, 2017
While many World War II history books emphasize battles and strategies, this history book features the populations, leaders, decisions, and events during a critical nineteen week period early in the war. This period is seen from a British perspective prior to America’s entry.
The period began on May 10, 1940, with the German invasion of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. It ended on September 15 with the climax (but not the end) of the Blitz and the Battle of Britain. These milestones were significant because, during this period, Britain stood alone and uncertain against a powerful German enemy. After September 15, the British felt more assured that they could maintain air supremacy, hold off a German invasion, and continue to exist.
The book’s background included the German pre-war buildup, Chamberlain’s Munich Agreement, and the invasion of Poland, leading the British declaration of war. Also covered were the Blitzkrieg overrunning of France and the Dunkirk evacuation.
The book details thoughts, discussions, and maneuverings of national leaders. America’s position played heavily into this period. In the US after WW I, a strong isolationist sentiment emerged. Many wanted to prevent the US from being drawn into another “European War.” With the 1940 elections looming, Roosevelt was walking a tightrope. To avoid public controversy, he chose to conclude the “Destroyers for Bases” agreement (a precursor to Lend-Lease) without congressional involvement. But as time passed, the US mood, perhaps affected by the British plight, began to shift.
The book considers possible US consequences, had Britain accepted Hitler’s 1940 peace offer. Britain likely would have turned over their Atlantic fleet. Without this naval protection, sea travel would have been much more treacherous. Also, Germany was establishing roots in South America, which might have been exploited. The US leadership believed that, in the longer term, isolation was a more risky strategy than many realized.
The book conveys the mood of the British public. With Dunkirk, there was elation at having saved so many. But, when the threat of invasion came close, the British responded with a will to resist. Increasingly, the public became participants in the war. Volunteers joined the Home Guard defense force, the Royal Observer Corps, and Air Raid Wardens' Service. Behind the scenes were coastal radar networks, communications listening stations, and the Enigma code breakers. In many ways, they were strengthened and determined to stay the course.
The book was well organized, well written, and supported with relevant photographs. I felt more knowledgeable, and grateful to better understand this brief but event-packed period of modern history.
The period began on May 10, 1940, with the German invasion of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. It ended on September 15 with the climax (but not the end) of the Blitz and the Battle of Britain. These milestones were significant because, during this period, Britain stood alone and uncertain against a powerful German enemy. After September 15, the British felt more assured that they could maintain air supremacy, hold off a German invasion, and continue to exist.
The book’s background included the German pre-war buildup, Chamberlain’s Munich Agreement, and the invasion of Poland, leading the British declaration of war. Also covered were the Blitzkrieg overrunning of France and the Dunkirk evacuation.
The book details thoughts, discussions, and maneuverings of national leaders. America’s position played heavily into this period. In the US after WW I, a strong isolationist sentiment emerged. Many wanted to prevent the US from being drawn into another “European War.” With the 1940 elections looming, Roosevelt was walking a tightrope. To avoid public controversy, he chose to conclude the “Destroyers for Bases” agreement (a precursor to Lend-Lease) without congressional involvement. But as time passed, the US mood, perhaps affected by the British plight, began to shift.
The book considers possible US consequences, had Britain accepted Hitler’s 1940 peace offer. Britain likely would have turned over their Atlantic fleet. Without this naval protection, sea travel would have been much more treacherous. Also, Germany was establishing roots in South America, which might have been exploited. The US leadership believed that, in the longer term, isolation was a more risky strategy than many realized.
The book conveys the mood of the British public. With Dunkirk, there was elation at having saved so many. But, when the threat of invasion came close, the British responded with a will to resist. Increasingly, the public became participants in the war. Volunteers joined the Home Guard defense force, the Royal Observer Corps, and Air Raid Wardens' Service. Behind the scenes were coastal radar networks, communications listening stations, and the Enigma code breakers. In many ways, they were strengthened and determined to stay the course.
The book was well organized, well written, and supported with relevant photographs. I felt more knowledgeable, and grateful to better understand this brief but event-packed period of modern history.
September 21, 2018
This covers the time just before WWII got under way through the evacuation from Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and the bombing of London and other cities by the Nazis. There's a great deal about negotiations between the still-neutral United States and England about whether or not the U.S. would provide England with weapons such as planes, boats and guns.
There was an incredible amount of political maneuvering involved in that and, in my opinion, at least. the United States government was very selfish as far as the negotiations went. There's also some background material on why the French were angry with the British over what went on as the Nazis overran France and I can basically understand their position.
There was also a great deal of censorship of news by England and a lot of behind-the-scenes political movement.
The book also shows how the U.S. was isolationist at first and how propaganda plus events moved the American citizens into supporting U.S. involvement in the war with Germany. (This was before the attack on Pearl Harbor.)
The book also covers how the British preparations as far as building bomb shelters and places for people to seek shelter were not as complete or thorough as they could have been. Also, there's a lot of material on how what class a person was in had a lot to do with how they were treated and how they survived the Nazi attacks on England, a class-ism that carried over even into the military service.
Neither the U.S. nor the British governments come out looking very good.
There was an incredible amount of political maneuvering involved in that and, in my opinion, at least. the United States government was very selfish as far as the negotiations went. There's also some background material on why the French were angry with the British over what went on as the Nazis overran France and I can basically understand their position.
There was also a great deal of censorship of news by England and a lot of behind-the-scenes political movement.
The book also shows how the U.S. was isolationist at first and how propaganda plus events moved the American citizens into supporting U.S. involvement in the war with Germany. (This was before the attack on Pearl Harbor.)
The book also covers how the British preparations as far as building bomb shelters and places for people to seek shelter were not as complete or thorough as they could have been. Also, there's a lot of material on how what class a person was in had a lot to do with how they were treated and how they survived the Nazi attacks on England, a class-ism that carried over even into the military service.
Neither the U.S. nor the British governments come out looking very good.
September 14, 2017
Very informative account of the run-up to WWII.
This was a very interesting and informative account of how the U.S. became involved with Great Britain in our 'special relationship' It gives the reader an inside look at how both governments and both populations came to accept the need for this alliance. I was quite aware of the 'isolationist' sentiment that existed in the U.S. at the time; but always wondered how the British population felt about the 'trade-offs' they (Britain) had to make in order to secure U.S. participation on their side.
I knew it was not all neat and tidy, the way it was/is taught in schools in the 1950's.
As someone interested in WWII history, I recommend this book highly. It may not be the last word on this subject, but it certainly sheds more interesting light on this it by filling in the many gaps that are not taught in school.
This was a very interesting and informative account of how the U.S. became involved with Great Britain in our 'special relationship' It gives the reader an inside look at how both governments and both populations came to accept the need for this alliance. I was quite aware of the 'isolationist' sentiment that existed in the U.S. at the time; but always wondered how the British population felt about the 'trade-offs' they (Britain) had to make in order to secure U.S. participation on their side.
I knew it was not all neat and tidy, the way it was/is taught in schools in the 1950's.
As someone interested in WWII history, I recommend this book highly. It may not be the last word on this subject, but it certainly sheds more interesting light on this it by filling in the many gaps that are not taught in school.
August 26, 2017
This was a great read. How the Second World War started. How appeasement and hesitation allowed Hitler to build up his forces. It shows how public opinion both in Britain and America swayed the politicians. Lend-Lease did not simply happen. There was much negotiating going on, while Britain desperately needed assistance. Also explains how the average person was affected by the War. How the Blitz of London actually increased the resolve of the British people to fight on. Well worth the read.
April 18, 2021
You want in-depth history and exhaustive anecdotes? I've got a book for you! This book is sometimes repetitive, but always interesting. Anytime I learn something and gain some entertainment, I'm happy and this book filled the bill. Nice insights (and opinions) on Churchill, Roosevelt and their political cronies (and rivals). I even felt a little sorry for the French and that's a hard sell for me so kudos to the author. An informative walk through a short time period that changed the future of several countries and created super powers.
January 17, 2019
Found new insights
The circumstances leading up to US involvement in WWII have always interested me. The author vibrantly portrayed events from a number of different viewpoints using contemporary sources. My only complaint is the "what ifs" at the end of the book which inserted the author's own opinions. Overall, I learned much more about the period than I had known before.
The circumstances leading up to US involvement in WWII have always interested me. The author vibrantly portrayed events from a number of different viewpoints using contemporary sources. My only complaint is the "what ifs" at the end of the book which inserted the author's own opinions. Overall, I learned much more about the period than I had known before.
November 19, 2019
This book gives good insight into the politics of the day
Interesting but a bit long winded. I'm glad I read through to the end. This book has accurate material as far as I can see.
Interesting but a bit long winded. I'm glad I read through to the end. This book has accurate material as far as I can see.
August 21, 2017
Well written and had some details I had not heard before.
September 1, 2017
A clear, engaging history of one of the most critical periods in world history. Mr. Moss does an excellent job of putting us front and center as the events that would shape our world unfold.
January 28, 2019
Well researched
Detailed account of the political processes that led America to war. Also a tribute to the bravery and courage of the British people.
Detailed account of the political processes that led America to war. Also a tribute to the bravery and courage of the British people.
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March 26, 2018The entry of the US into the second world war took a lot of work from Britain to influence public opinion and the USA leaders. This book provides a viewpoint on how it happened.
February 10, 2019
A nation under existential pressure, the contingency of history hidden behind superficial historical memories, I'll remember this book in those broad frames.
As a work of history about this period, it's really outstanding. I have a much more complete picture of the existential crisis that Britain's leaders and people faced in what was a fateful period for all parties, as well as for the course of world history. If you want to get a sense of how societies choose to succeed or to fail, to the extent to which choice is even relevant (the author excels at bright-lining the constraints and contingencies also), I recommend this book. While Churchill is rightly remembered for his "fight on the beaches" speech, and the British people their stiff upper lip determinism that saw them through Dunkirk, the London Blitz, and the decisive RAF won air war, the book drives home for me how desperate the situation in fact was and how close Britain came to occupation, and what that would have meant for the course of events if that outcome had become reality. Desperate times did call for desperate measures. We get a clear sense of what this meant for individuals, whether commoner or political leader, or for an entire nation. Faced with the knife edge of invasion from a much more powerful adversary, the situation drove the country's leaders to take actions which had been unthinkable, not only unthinkable before the war, but during the war's first weeks up to the point of the evacuation of the British army from the continent and the fall of the French government. It's clear to me that events, measured in weeks, were a crucible, and who and what survived was transformed. Britain, in terms of power projection on the world stage, was supplanted by America. Broadly, one knows this, but it's interesting to see the actual dismemberment of Britain taking place, provoked in the first instance by the German military, but executed in the second instance as much at the hands of the Americans.
There is a simultaneous and parallel treatment of the American experience in the book, without which the British experience cannot be adequately understood. It is equally interesting and well told. What I want to add, briefly, is that it was easy for me to connect this story to my own times as someone concerned about anthropogenic climate change and I'll end on that.
It's easy for me, a former climate activist, to relate pre-war British and American attitudes about Hitler's rise to the current climate situation where, in each case, there is a sizable minority of committed Cassandras and a larger mass of threat denialists, each faction trying to prepare, or to forestall preparedness. And I can imagine similar psychological and actual responses to climate change in the future, akin to what the British and American people experienced, once nature starts to more assertively move it's version of the panzers in the future into the places where more people with power call home.
As a work of history about this period, it's really outstanding. I have a much more complete picture of the existential crisis that Britain's leaders and people faced in what was a fateful period for all parties, as well as for the course of world history. If you want to get a sense of how societies choose to succeed or to fail, to the extent to which choice is even relevant (the author excels at bright-lining the constraints and contingencies also), I recommend this book. While Churchill is rightly remembered for his "fight on the beaches" speech, and the British people their stiff upper lip determinism that saw them through Dunkirk, the London Blitz, and the decisive RAF won air war, the book drives home for me how desperate the situation in fact was and how close Britain came to occupation, and what that would have meant for the course of events if that outcome had become reality. Desperate times did call for desperate measures. We get a clear sense of what this meant for individuals, whether commoner or political leader, or for an entire nation. Faced with the knife edge of invasion from a much more powerful adversary, the situation drove the country's leaders to take actions which had been unthinkable, not only unthinkable before the war, but during the war's first weeks up to the point of the evacuation of the British army from the continent and the fall of the French government. It's clear to me that events, measured in weeks, were a crucible, and who and what survived was transformed. Britain, in terms of power projection on the world stage, was supplanted by America. Broadly, one knows this, but it's interesting to see the actual dismemberment of Britain taking place, provoked in the first instance by the German military, but executed in the second instance as much at the hands of the Americans.
There is a simultaneous and parallel treatment of the American experience in the book, without which the British experience cannot be adequately understood. It is equally interesting and well told. What I want to add, briefly, is that it was easy for me to connect this story to my own times as someone concerned about anthropogenic climate change and I'll end on that.
It's easy for me, a former climate activist, to relate pre-war British and American attitudes about Hitler's rise to the current climate situation where, in each case, there is a sizable minority of committed Cassandras and a larger mass of threat denialists, each faction trying to prepare, or to forestall preparedness. And I can imagine similar psychological and actual responses to climate change in the future, akin to what the British and American people experienced, once nature starts to more assertively move it's version of the panzers in the future into the places where more people with power call home.
September 27, 2014
A very detailed picture of the period in question is painted. Plenty of incidents that WW2-buffs have down pat, as well as quite a few new anecdotes and stories of the common Londoners and other Britons that were less well-known. The book really scores in its description of the American political scene and how public opinion was altered gradually in favour of supporting Britain.
Some barely believable events that almost took place are given space too - most notably the proposed Union of Britain and France, to ensure that the French troops would continue to fight, and the French Navy would not be handed over to the Germans, even if their country was overrun. Some of us have heard that this was proposed at the time, but this book reveals just how close this Union was to actually become a fait accompli, how it was in fact just one cabinet meeting away, after which Paul Reynaud was forced to resign, and the age of Pétain began.
Also included is a "what if" story of the possible events that would have occurred had Britain failed to thwart the Nazis in that crucial period or if they had signed a peace treaty, to underline exactly why the book calls it the "Fateful Summer of 1940"
Ultimately a very readable and informative narrative.
Some barely believable events that almost took place are given space too - most notably the proposed Union of Britain and France, to ensure that the French troops would continue to fight, and the French Navy would not be handed over to the Germans, even if their country was overrun. Some of us have heard that this was proposed at the time, but this book reveals just how close this Union was to actually become a fait accompli, how it was in fact just one cabinet meeting away, after which Paul Reynaud was forced to resign, and the age of Pétain began.
Also included is a "what if" story of the possible events that would have occurred had Britain failed to thwart the Nazis in that crucial period or if they had signed a peace treaty, to underline exactly why the book calls it the "Fateful Summer of 1940"
Ultimately a very readable and informative narrative.
March 4, 2015
Good book! Very well-written; a clear, interesting story of the time before Pearl Harbor. There were lots of anecdotes and details. Several details were completely new to me; I'd love a chance to ask the author some questions! There were so many political maneuverings going on...I just wanted to slap people into doing what was needed! Forget party politics! Do what's right!!! I will definitely be looking for more by Norman Moss.
January 21, 2014
Norman Moss does well at describing the events of the Blitzkrieg and the Battle of Britain. His narrative was engaging and it was hard to put this book down. We learn much from the strength and dedication of the good people of London who endured so much but held their ground.
January 5, 2012
I thought this a page turner, I enjoyed it found it a fresh look at this bit of history, shows how thing could have been very different,
October 24, 2013
The best of times and worst of times.
December 19, 2014
Brings this desperate period to life in all its glory and shame... the ending is a little too hurried and over-sweeping but otherwise an informative and evocative read
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews