CHAPTER 34 NOTES PART 1 –TO “HITLER” (TEXT) 35 (DE)
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT AND THE SHADOW OF WAR – 1933 – 1941
Questions:
1. What were the main characteristics of Roosevelt’s foreign policy and why was the American public bent on
isolationism during the 1930s?
2.
How did the process of American entry into World War II compare with the entry into World War I?
3. Why did the neutrality laws fail to prevent America’s growing involvement with the military
conflicts in Europe and Asia? What were the steps that America took to try and remain neutral as
Europe headed into World War II?
4. What steps did Germany and Japan take to lead America into the European conflict?
5. Would it have been more straightforward of Roosevelt to have openly called for a declaration of war against
Hitler rather than increasing involvement gradually while claiming that he did not want war?
6.
Would the United States have entered World War II even if the Japanese had not attacked Pearl Harbor?
Theme:
In the early and mid-1930s, the United States attempted to isolate itself from foreign involvements and
wars. But by the end of the decade, the spread of totalitarianism and war in Europe forced Roosevelt to
provide more and more assistance to desperate Britain, despite strong isolationist opposition.
Summary:
Roosevelt’s early foreign policies, such as wrecking the London economic conference and establishing the Good
Neighbor policy in Latin America, were governed by concern for domestic recovery and reflected America’s desire for a
less active role in the world. America virtually withdrew from all European affairs, and promised independence to the
Philippines as an attempt to avoid Asian commitments.
Depression-spawned chaos in Europe and Asia strengthened the isolationist impulse, as Congress passed a series of
Neutrality Acts designed to prevent America from being drawn into foreign wars. The United States adhered to the policy
for a time, despite the aggression of Italy, Germany, and Japan. But after the outbreak of World War II in Europe,
Roosevelt began to provide some aid to the Allies.
After the fall of France, Roosevelt gave greater assistance to desperate Britain in the destroyers-for-bases deal and in lendlease. Still-powerful isolationists protested these measures, but Wendell Willkie refrained from attacking Roosevelt’s
foreign policy in the 1940 campaign.
Roosevelt and Winston Churchill issued the Atlantic Charter, and by the summer of 1941, the United States was fighting
an undeclared naval war with Germany in the North Atlantic. After negotiations with Japan failed, the surprise attack on
Pearl Harbor plunged the United States into World War II.
Quotes:
“Man has become great through struggle… Whatever goal man has reached is due to his originality plus
his brutality… Through all the centuries force and power are the determining factors…” (Mein Kampf,
1924) Adolf Hitler
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight in the fields and streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall
never surrender.” (Speech, 1940) Winston Churchill
“It may be asked how could the Soviet government have consented to conclude a non-aggression pact
with such perfidious…fiends as Hitler and Ribbentrop? Was this not an error on the part of the Soviet
government? No.… We secured to our country peace for a year and a half and the opportunity of
preparing our forces.” (1941) Joseph Stalin
Great Debates in US History:
Isolationism versus internationalism: Should the United States move away from isolationist neutrality and
toward aiding the Allies in the fight against Hitler?
Yes: The internationalists, led by President Roosevelt and the administration; most big-business leaders and
cosmopolitan city-dwellers; the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies, led by William Allen White.
No: The isolationists, led by the America First Committee and Charles A. Lindbergh; some senators and representatives,
led by William Borah, Robert Taft, and Hamilton Fish; some writers, like Charles Beard and Harry Elmer Barnes; some
small-business and ethnic groups, especially in the Midwest; some leftists and socialists, led by Norman Thomas.
ISSUE #1: Isolation. Should the United States have any interest in events overseas?
Yes: Internationalist Roosevelt: “It becomes clearer and clearer that the world will be a shabby and dangerous place to
live in—yes, even for Americans to live in—if it is ruled by force in the hands of a few.… I hope that we shall have fewer
American ostriches in our midst. It is not good for the ultimate health of ostriches to bury their heads in the sand.”
No: What information do YOU think this argument would contain?
ISSUE #2: Democracy. Are the Allies fighting for the democratic principles America believes in?
Yes: Internationalist Congressman Jerry Voorhis: “I have an interest in the way of life wherein free men can freely
struggle to better their conditions, freely worship and believe according to their own conscience.… I know that this is not
possible in a Nazi- or Communist-dominated nation. So…to aid Great Britain and the other nations attempting to resist the
totalitarians has become part of American policy.”
No: Isolationist Congressman Hamilton Fish: “The cause for which Hitler has thrown the German masses into war is
damnably unholy. But the war of Chamberlain and Reynaud is not thereby rendered holy. The fact that Hitler is the
opponent does not make the Allied war a fight for democracy.… The Allied governments have no idealism in the conflict,
no war aims worthy of the sacrifice…of their peoples.…”
ISSUE #3: War. Will aiding the Allies inevitably lead the United States into war?
No: Internationalist Roosevelt: “There is a far less chance of the United States getting into war if we do all we can now
to support the nations defending themselves against attack by the Axis than if we acquiesce in their defeat, submit tamely
to an Axis victory, and wait our turn to be the object of attack in another war later on.… There is no demand for sending
an American Expeditionary Force outside our own borders. There is no intention by any member of your government to
send such a force. You can, therefore, nail any talk about sending armies to Europe as deliberate untruth.”
Yes: Isolationist Senator Arthur Vandenberg: “When H.R. 1776 [lend-lease] passed the Senate…we did vastly more than
‘aid Britain.’ We have thrown ourselves squarely into the power politics and the power wars of Europe, Asia, and
Africa.… We have said to Britain, ‘We will see you through to victory.’ And it would be unbelievably dishonorable for us
to stop short of full participation in the war if that be necessary to a victory.… But I fear this means we must actively
engage in the war ourselves.”
ISSUE #4: War and democracy. Would another war require dictatorial methods and destroy democracy within the
United States?
No: Internationalist Roosevelt: “I reject the idea that only by abandoning our freedom, our ideals, our way of life, can
we build our defenses adequately, can we match the strength of the aggressors.… I do not share these fears.”
Yes: Isolationist socialist Norman Thomas: “The method of modern totalitarian warfare is self-defeating in terms of ideal
ends. War itself is the only victor. Each particular war begets its more deadly successors. Intolerance, dictatorship,
brutality, are its inevitable accompaniments.…”
CHAPTER 35 NOTES:
“ The epidemic of world lawlessness is spreading. When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread, the
community approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the health of the community
against the spread of disease… There must be positive endeavors to preserve peace.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chicago “Quarantine Speech,” 1937
Intro
Americans in the 1930’s tried to turn their backs on the world’s problems. FDR was focused, at first, on battling
the GREAT DEPRESSION—America had its own burdens---and involvement in a foreign war—seemed to be
unreasonable.
BUT – as Europe and Asia began to disintegrate into chaos—FDR concluded that the USA could no longer
remain ALOOF—EVENTS gradually brought the American people around to his thinking: NO NATION WAS
SAFE IN AN ERA OF INTERNATIONAL ANARCHY---THE WORLD COULD NOT REMAIN HALFENCHAINED AND HALF-FREE.
The London Conference
66 nations met in London, England in the summer of 1933 and hoped to organize a coordinated international
attack on the global depression—they wanted to stabilize the values of the various international currencies and
their exchange rates—by stabilizing the rates they hoped world trade would increase dramatically helping to
ease the financial crises that was occurring world wide.
FDR- at first agreed to send an American delegation—including Secretary of State, Cordell Hull. BUT FDR
DID NOT WANT TO BE TIED DOWN ECONOMICALLY WHILE MAKING REFORMS AT HOME—
manipulating gold-inflationary policies—to stimulate the American economy—FDR decides NOT TO
PARTICIPATE AT THE LAST MINUTE---AND FOCUSED INITIALLY ON STABILIZING THE
AMERICAN ECONOMY FIRST*** THEN LOOK TO THE WORLD***
The London Conference AFTER FDR’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF US NON-PARTICIPATION—ended. The
world powers were upset with FDR –and the TEXT claims that this action (isolationist action) plunged the
world even further into economic and political chaos—and also strengthened the global trend toward
EXTREME NATIONALISM—which made any attempt to curb the militant actions of the 1930’s even more
difficult—The Text Claims—that FDR’s ISOLATIONIST actions played into the hands of [MussoliniItaly/Hitler-Germany/Stalin-USSR] POWER MAD DICTATORS who were determined to shatter the peace of
the world. The Text claims –THE AMERICANS WOULD PAY A HIGH PRICE FOR THE NARROWMINDED BELIEF THAT THE UNITED STATES COULD GO IT ALONE IN A MODERN WORLD.
Busch—It was THE SUMMER OF 1933, FDR had just taken office in March—WE know the HELL that
was occurring in America----The 100 Days Congress was still in session—WAS IT UNREASONABLE BY
FDR TO ATTEMPT TO GET THE “NEW DEAL” PROGRESSING AND BRINGING RELIEF,
RECOVERY, AND REFORM TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE rather THAN TO WORRY ABOUT THE
REST OF THE WORLD???—I DO NOT THINK SO---
So as we examine FDR’s FP initially –per the actions at the London Conference we see an ISOLATIONIST
USA--- PAY ATTENTION--- THE USA WILL BE SPLIT AS EVENT UNFOLD FROM THIS POINT
FORWARD---SOME (LIKE FDR) WILL SEE THE THREATS AND EVENTUALLY BECOME
INTERNATIONALISTS SOME WILL SEE THE THREATS AND MAINTAIN THEIR ISOLATIONISM—
A KEY AWARNESS IS IMPORTANT HERE---WHEN DO THE MAJORITY OF THE AMERICAN
PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THEY CANNOT ANY LONGER IGNORE WHAT WAS GOING ON IN THE
WORLD---WHEN WILL THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT MAKE THAT DECISION---IT IS KEY TO
KNOW AS EVENTS UNFOLD---HOW THE AMERICAN PEOPLE & AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
BOTH REACT--- *******************************************TO THE HORRIBLE EVENTS***
Freedom for (from?) the Filipinos and Recognition for the Russians (USSR)
FDR initially matched isolationism from Europe with withdrawal from Asia—The GREAT DEPRESSION—
burst the IMPERIALIST bubble—American Taxpayers did not care about our territorial holdings or the world
at this point AT ALL—THE PHILIPPINES –were FREED (in the future) CONGRESS PASSED THE TydingsMcDuffie Act in 1934- Which provided for the INDEPENDENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES by 1946—a
transition to FREEDOM—they relinquish all claims to ARMY BASES –BUT NOT THE NAVAL BASES***
JAPAN NOTICED***and felt that they had little to fear from an America that was abandoning it largest
possession in Asia***
Internationalism comes slowly to FDR –BUT—he does begin to take action(s) towards that philosophy when
he OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZES THE SOVIET UNION (USSR-RUSSIA is just a part)**** in late 1933. Of
course this is protested by many anti-communist conservatives in America—as well as the many Catholics and
Fundamentalists due to the USSR’s anti-religious policies
WHY? –FDR believed that this could increase our Foreign Trade AND –that the USSR could COUNTER
THE GROWING THREAT OF FASCISM (ITALY-GERMANY-SPAIN) IN EUROPE AND THE
GROWING MILITARISTIC JAPANESE IN ASIA****
Becoming a Good Neighbor***(FDR continues his “internationalist” move—by improving relationships in
the Western Hemisphere (HOME)
FDR (following HHoover’s intentions of Good Neighborism) – began a refreshing new era in our relationships
with Latin American nations—(the RC to the MD and “preventative intervention” was over) –
“I would dedicate this nation to the policy of the Good Neighbor.” –FDR Inaugural speech, 1933
The past policies of armed intervention in Latin America had created resentment, suspicion, and fear—
With war-thirsty dictators taking over in Europe—FDR was eager to get the countries of Latin America ALL
ON THE SAME TEAM—to defend the Western Hemisphere from militaristic European Aggressors******
If we did not improve our relationships with these nations—Latin America could be used as a base from which
to attack America*****and at the 7th PAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE IN URUGUAY—THE USA
FORMALLY ENDORSED NON-INTERVENTION IN LATIN AMERICAN AFFAIRS***
Marines leave Haiti in 1934-Cuba is released from the Platt Amendment (except for Guantanamo Naval
Base) – Panama in 1936 was given more independence—
The first real test of THE GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY occurs in 1938 in MEXICO*** When the Mexicans
“Nationalize” (take over) ALL OF THE OIL PROPERTIES (large US $$$ here) US investors demanded
FDR use force to reclaim their facilities---FDR REFUSED---and negotiated a settlement (us companies lost
$$$) by 1941.
FDR’s GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY was a success*** His earnest attempts to develop friends instead of
enemies with actions consistent with his words ---went a long way in KEEPING THE EUROPEAN
DICTATORS OUT OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE AND THE USA SAFE DURING WWII******
Secretary Hull’s (FDR’s) Reciprocal Trade Agreements**** another action to indicate a move toward an
Internationalist philosophy by FDR and our government***
The high Tariff acts passed in the 1920’s and 30’s (Fordney-McCumber and Hawley-Smoot) wrecked
foreign trade for the USA—because with high tariffs the other industrial nations of the world responded
with their own high tariff and thus international trade declined dramatically ---and that surely did not
help during a world wide depression*********
FDR and Cordell Hull, Secretary of State, create the RECIPROCAL TRADE
AGREEMENTS/POLICY***** - FDR AND HULL knew that trade was a two-way street and that if we had
high tariffs so would they world---so WE (USA) propose a deal***Congress passes the Reciprocal Trade
Agreements Act in 1934 –designed to increase American trade—it lowered tariffs—FDR was able to
lower the rates himself (F-M act in the 1920”s) by 50%--- and did so with countries who agreed to reduce
their tariff rates equally*** and due to the President’s ability to lower or raise tariffs by himself the
Senate did no longer have to approve***
Secretary Hull was able to negotiate lower tariff rate deals with 21 Countries by 1939 (5 years) –GUESS
WHAT??? US FOREIGN TRADE SKYROCKETED***These Trade agreements helped our relationships
with many countries, especially in Latin America, in a time when WE NEEDED FRIENDS NOT ENEMIES
--THIS LEGISLATION IS VERY SIGNIFICANT********DUE TO IT ENDING AN ALMOST
UNBROKEN POLICY OF CONTINUED HIGH TARIFFS FROM THE CIVIL WAR (1860’S) and paved
the way for the USA DOMINATED GLOBALIZAITON*** ECONOMICALLY**** FREE-TRADE
INTERNATIONALISM*** THAT BEGINS IMMEDIATELY AFTER WWII****THE USA’S GREATEST
ERA OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OUR HISTORY 1945 -1970**** (MAYBE THE GREATEST IN
WORLD HISTORY)*****
****Impulses Toward Storm-Cellar Isolationism***(remember that although FDR may be leaning
internationalist at this point---What about the American People and Congress???)
HUGE****DEFINITIONS***KNOW WHICH COUNTRIES TAKE ON THESE CHARACTERISTICS
� Fascism –
An authoritarian, antidemocratic economic and political system that subordinates the Individual
to the needs of the state and party. For example, trade unions are outlawed because they promote
the interests of laborers, not of the nation. Obedience to the nation’s leader is required. Italy and
Germany in the 1930s are examples of fascist countries.
� Totalitarianism –
Similar in several respects to a fascist society, a totalitarian system Requires obedience to
the leader and the needs of the state. Consequently, the government controls most aspects
of society, such as education and the legal system. Germany and the Soviet Union in the
1930s were totalitarian.
� Democratic-Republicanism –
A political system in which certain basic rights and privileges are guaranteed to all
citizens, who in turn have the right to elect representatives to serve their interests and
those of the nation at various levels of government. Great Britain and the United States
are examples of democratic-republics.
� Communism –
A social, political, and economic system in which private ownership of the means of
production is controlled by the state. A key objective of communism is to rid society of
class-based interests and the exploitation of the working class by those who own the
means of production. The Soviet Union from 1917 to 1989 was a communist nation.
HUGE*****
Post 1918-WWI Chaos in Europe followed by the World Wide Depression led to the spread of
TOTALITARIANISM- The individual was nothing the STATE (Country) was everything—Joseph
Stalin comes to power after the death of V.I. Lenin in the Soviet Union (Russia) [Communist] and
became Dictator. Benito Mussolini –in Italy is the FIRST Fascist Dictator to come to power in
Europe in 1922- and becomes a Dictator. Adolf Hitler – actually, at first, comes to power
democratically in GERMANY—then once power was consolidated (Killing squads) HE
BECOMES A DICTATIOR.
Hitler was the most dangerous because he combined tremendous power with impulsiveness. He
had secured power by being a great Orator (speaker) and leader. He used Germany’s
humiliating surrender in WWI and the Treaty of Versailles (evil) as well as the CRUSHING
ECONOMIC MELTDOWN –afterwards due to the reparation payments and worldwide
economic depression to give the desperate German people SOMEONE ELSE TO BLAME—
besides themselves—Hitler gave them HOPE FOR AN ESCAPE FROM NATIONAL
DISGRACE AND ECONOMIC CHAOS—In 1936, Berlin, hosted the Olympics and was a
showcase to the world of the brilliant German recovery from economic chaos--- he is Time
Magazine’s Man of the Year—and FORMS THE ROME-BERILIN AXIS WITH
MUSSOLINI** AND DEMANDS “LEBENSRAUM” FOR HIS PEOPLE** (additional territory
was necessary for National Survival—National Expansion—and Trade)
“International Gangsterism”- was spreading to the FAR EAST –Japan, ---resented being a 2nd class
power—and also demands “additional space” for its growing millions of population—cooped up on
the crowded island nation--- This Change is led by Japanese Militarists ––Prince Fuminaro Konoe
comes to power again in 1932 and leads the “Imperial Rule Assistance Association,” a Fascist
organization created to promote the “New Order” Movement—creating a TOTALITARIAN
GOVERNMENT—under EMPORER HIROHITO—and by 1941 new prime minister HIDEKI
TOJO leads the militarists —AND THEIR GOAL to create : THE GREAT EAST ASIA COPROSPERITY SPHERE – it’s goal – Asia for Asians—of course the Yamato Race would lead---and
to subordinate the other nations due to the obvious superiority (Yamato) IN 1940 THE
“TRIPARTITE PACT” IS SIGNED –WHICH WAS AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPAL FOR
ITALY, GERMANY, AND JAPAN to MILTARILY align together to INTIMIDATE THE USA AND
TO IMPLEMENT A “NEW ORDER” FOR THE WORLD.
(remember that Japan had already invaded China (Manchuria) in 1931 and taken possession of it
and renamed it Manchuko-putting the “last Chinese Emperor” on the throne as a puppet of Japan.)
JAPAN, meanwhile in 1934 terminated the 5, 4 & 9 power treaties signed at the Washington Naval
Conference, 1921-22—and began to construct a series of GIANT BATTLESHIPS.
ITALY, meanwhile, in 1935, invades Ethiopia; Mussolini sought to create an empire in East Africa.
With Bombers and Tanks they crush the Ethiopians armed with spears and ancient weapons.
“To make a people great it is necessary to send them into battle… We have buried the putrid corpse
of Liberty.” – Benito Mussolini, 1940
The League of Nations at this point becomes the last hope—BUT THEY DO NOTHING--“APPEASEMENT” BECOMES THE WORD – OF THIS PERIOD—AVOID WAR AT ANY COST--EVEN TO THE EXTENT THAT THE DICATATORS CAN TAKE WHATEVER THEY
WANT***
HOW DOES THE AMERICAN PEOPLE REACT TO THESE EVENTS****THE MAJORITY
ACTUALLY Becomes more ISOLATIONIST --- fear of being dragged into another WAR---We
believed that THE TWO OCEANS—“NATURAL BOUNDARIES” would insulate us from
harm***The majority of Americans disapproved of the dictators actions—BUT –were still in the
midst of the Great Depression—it was not their problem—They remembered how ungrateful the
Allies were during WWI and the horrors associated with war and WANTED NO PART OF IT.
Congress—follows the majorities lead—passing the JOHNSON DEBT DEFAULT ACT, 1934 –
Which prevented nations who owed us from WWI form borrowing any more—if attacked by
aggressors the nations would have to go elsewhere for help***certainly this shows that there was a
strong ISOLATIONIST sentiment in the PEOPLE and CONGRESS AT THIS TIME****
The Americans had no real understanding of the THREAT that was building throughout the
WORLD—and FEARED THAT THEY MIGHT BE DRAWN INTO ANOTHER MASSIVE WAR—
The popular ISOLATIONIST sentiment was so powerful that a CONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT TO PREVENT CONGRESS FROM DECLARING WAR –UNLESS WE WERE
“INVADED,” was considered at this point---*****
*******HUGE*********Congress Legislates Neutrality***********HUGE*****************
“Merchants of Death,” –Many people in the USA believed that our actions (weapons manufacturers)
selling War Supplies and the HUGE loans to the Allies during WWI WAS THE CAUSE*** OF THE
HORRORS OF WWI.
Senator Gerald Nye, from North Dakota * THE NYE COMMITTEE- in 1934 he was appointed to
investigate the “Blood Business,” The NYE Committee found in their investigation—(questionable at
best) but—that THE BLAME FOR WWI should be on US Bankers and US Weapons
Manufacturers—not German Submarines or European Militarism? The Nye committee’s findings
made it seem as if because these people MADE $$$ ON WAR—they were SOULESS
SCAVANGERS—and had CAUSED THE WAR TO MAKE $$$ (like Sherlock Holmes 2nd movie)-
They (NC) made it seem as IF the USA would (in the future) would ban any arms sales, the USA
would be able to steer clear of any FUTURE WAR.
Due to this illogical reasoning---Congress ATTEMPTED TO LEGISLATE THE USA OUT OF
ANY FUTURE POTENTIAL WAR**** THE NEUTRALITY ACTS OF 1935-1936-AND
1937***** (3) ACTS OF CONGRESS ATTEMPT TO DO JUST THAT***obviously we know today
that this does not work----BUT many Americans believed that this would work**
****The NYE COMMITTEE FINDINGS LEADS TO THE PASSAGE OF THE NEUTRALITY
ACTS OF 35,36, & 37 ******* AN ATTEMPT TO LEGISLATE US FROM FUTURE WARS BY
LEGISLATING THE PROHIBITION OF THE ACTS (according the nye committee) that brought
us into WWI****
NEUTRALITY ACTS: 1935 -1936 -1937************************************************
WHEN THE PRESIDENT PROCLAIMED THE EXISTENCE OF A FOREIGN WAR:
1 NO AMERICAN COULD LEGALLY SAID ON A BELLIGERENT SHIP
2 NO AMERICAN COULD SELL OR TRANSPORT MUNITIONS TO A BELLIGERENT
3 NO AMERICAN COULD MAKE LOANS TO A BELLIGERENT
These acts (taken together) were designed to keep us out of any future war—and were done to make
illegal (in some people’s opinion) the acts that got us into WWI…This disillusioned generation was
clearly ISOLATIONIST-- The majority of the American People and Congress*****BUT FOR
HOW LONG---AS EVENTS TRANSPIRE WILL Congress and The People BOTH be
ISOLATIONIST? As Events transpire will one of these groups begin to think like FDR and
become an Internationalist and begin to see the world’s chaos as a danger to the USA?
Storm-Cellar Neutrality (Isolationism) – proved to be tragically shortsighted. America assumed that
the decision for WAR OR PEACE lay in its own hands---Prisoners of its own FEARS—it remained at
the mercy of events controlled by the DICTATORS.
Statutory Neutrality was of dubious morality—America served notice that would make no
distinction between brutal aggressors and innocent victims***(neutrality acts prevent us from
helping those who were the victims of the Dictators—UNTIL LATER***(NOTE THE CHANGE
WHEN IT COMES****)
America Dooms Loyalist Spain*** (the neutrality acts prevent us from helping in Spain)
*** on the internet*** see Picasso’s Guernica*** (for XC tell me about it)
The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) proved to be a dress rehearsal for WWII***
The Spanish Rebels were headed by General Francisco Franco (who becomes the longest serving
Fascist Dictator of all of them—he is the Leader of Spain from 1939 until 1975)*** Spain is neutral
during WWII.
The Monarchy in Spain is removed and replaced with a Republic in 1931. In the elections of 1936
the conservatives lost and the leftist (socialist/communists) came to power… Franco and some
other Generals in the Army staged a Coup-de-Tat which started the Spanish Civil War---in
which the Rebels win and propel Franco, a fascist, into leadership—ANOTHER FASCIST
DICTATOR---Franco wins due to immense support in military supplies and $$$ from Mussolini
and Hitler---even so far as soldiers from those countries fighting for the fascist Spaniards.
The “Republican” faction (leftist socialists/communists who won a fair election in a Republic)
were aided by the USSR and “International Brigades” (volunteers from across the world –
including many famous Americans) over 500,000 people die in this war and many in Spain are
imprisoned as “enemies of the State, “ until the late 1960’s and early 1970’s---Franco and his oneparty fascist State uses concentration camps, forced labor, and executions of political enemies to
control this totalitarian state by FEAR--- and another ½ million people are said to have been
killed during his long reign, 36 years, as Dictator of Spain.
America due to its Neutrality Acts of 35,36, & 37—Could not officially help the Republicans fight
Franco and the Fascists--- We “embargo” both sides—The USA does not help either side, nor
profit from them either (as we did during WWI) –this lack of help for a fellow DEMOCRACY
facing the massive support from the aligned Fascist Dictators led to Spain’s ELECTED
GOVERNMENTS COLLAPSE AND DEFEAT—Thus—this encouraged the Dictators to have
confidence going forward that no one would oppose their future actions---and no one does for a
while---WE APPEASE THEM TO AVOID WAR***************************************
THE USA ALLOWS ITS FEARS AND ISOLATIONISM TO PREVENT OUR COUNTRY
FROM BEING PREPARED—IT IS NOT UNTIL 1938 THAT CONGRESS FINALLY LISTENS
TO FDR AND PASSES A BILLION-DOLLAR NAVAL CONSTRUCTION ACT***(remember--the Q: When do events finally “wake-up” Congress and/or the American People to become less
Isolationist and more Internationalist---this would be one sign that at least Congress is beginning
to awaken to the dangers around us and begin to prepare---at minimum to defend the
nation*********
Note: Franco restores the Monarchy of Spain before his death, and King Juan Carlos transitions
Spain to the Democracy we know today. After WWII, in 1953, at the height of the “Cold War” v.
the USSR---America embraced Franco—who was obviously anti-communist and began to
support Franco’s Government until his death.
Appeasing Japan and Germany [WWII begins in Asia 1st in 1937—then in Europe in 1939]*****
In 1937***(many historians claim the beginning of WWII********************)
Japan invades Mainland China, crossing the Marco Polo Bridge near Beijing—beginning an allout attack on China.
FDR does not declare this a WAR ---(to avoid the neutrality acts being imposed)
In Asia---BOTH THE CHINESE AND THE JAPANESE BUY MOUNTAINS OF WAR
SUPPLIES FROM THE USA****
FDR’s Public Response to the actions occurring throughout the world in the fall of 1937---IN
CHICAGO--- CALLED THE “QUARANTINE SPEECH”---***note the American Public’s
reaction to FDR’s speech--***
Chicago in the mid-west was called the “unofficial capital” of ISOLATIONISM--FDR was responding to Japan’s invasion of China—and Italy’s invasion of Ethiopia—
The Opening Quote of the Chapter is from this speech:
“ The epidemic of world lawlessness is spreading. When an epidemic of physical disease starts to spread, the
community approves and joins in a quarantine of the patients in order to protect the health of the community
against the spread of disease… There must be positive endeavors to preserve peace.”
-Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chicago “Quarantine Speech,” 1937
Isolationists (most of the American People at this point) in America RESPOND IN A CYCLONE
OF PROTEST—They feared that a “moral quarantine” would lead to a “shooting quarantine”
and thus Americans at war**this reaction is indicative of the severe isolationism of the people
still at this point in the fall of 1937***
FDR notices the angry reaction of the people and decides to “WORK BEHIND THE SCENES” to
effect a change to a more internationalist viewpoint from our Government***
Events continue in 1937—Japan bombs an American gunboat, the Panay, in China—our ship
sank and two (2) Americans were Killed and 30 injured---* Japan apologized and paid an
“indemnity” ($ for damages causing injury) ---America did nothing--- (in the past this could have been
enough to cause war) Japan, after our perceived weak response, began to abuse American
civilians in China by slapping and stripping Americans--Hitler, meanwhile--- by 1935 had introduced mandatory military service in Germany, in 1936 he
marched his army into the demilitarized area of the Rhineland, BOTH IN VIOLATION OF THE
VERSAILLES TREATY*** France and Great Britain both were worried---but not enough to say
anything that may cause another horrible war***APPEASEMENT*** HITLER next began to
prosecute and exterminate the Jewish population in Germany---blaming them for all of the
misery--- 6 million people of Jewish heritage, as well as many other groups were exterminated by
the Nazi’s in the HOLOCAUST***HITLER continues to build up his Armed Forces, in violation
of the Versailles Treaty---creating THE MOST DEVASTATING MILITARY MACHINE
THE WORLD HAD EVER SEEN***
HITLER, suddenly in March 1938, marches into neighboring Austria (sound of music
movie shows an aspect of this story) his birthplace** in his quest to unite the
“Germanic/Aryan peoples” and create “lebensraum.” HITLER, after Austria, THEN
ASKS FOR THE “SUDETENLAND” PART OF the newly created “Czechoslovakia (after
WWI) in Hitler’s view---the Sudetenland was populated by “Germanic/Aryans” who
should be part of Germany—The leaders of Great Britain and France call for a
conference to discuss this idea of Hitler’s--- THE MUNICH CONFERENCE1938****WHERE THE WORD APPEASEMENT*** IS PRACTICED AT ITS WORST***
At Munich—representatives from Germany, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom met
to discuss the German demands for the Sudetenland---Czechoslovakia was not even
invited??? The four countries mentioned above agree to Hitler’s demands---and on
September 29th Hitler, Chamberlin, Mussolini, and Daladier sign the agreement***
A Sad day in World History--- Czechoslovakia was told it could resist Germany
alone***or submit.
Germany was given the Sudetenland –and the control over the rest of Czechoslovakia IF
HE PROMISED TO GO NO FURTHER***
GB’S PRIME MINISTER, NEVILLE CHAMBERLIN’S FAMOUS QUOTE:
“My good friends, for the second time in our history a British Prime Minister has
returned from Germany bringing peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time.”
The actions of the formerly great powers GB and FR—are shocking—giving away a part
of another country without their consent---to avoid war by APPEASING THE
DICTATOR HITLER*** IT IS ONE OF THE GREAT SHAMES OF WORLD
HISTORY*****
“The Sudetenland is the last territorial claim I have to make in Europe.” Adolf Hitler 1938*******
The appeasement of the dictators at Munich—“was like giving a cannibal a finger to save the arm,” in March
of 1939, six months after Hitler forcibly took the rest of Czechoslovakia ---again no one did anything--HE WAS HUNGRY*** WHAT WOULD THE WORLD DO NOW***
*****TIMELINE OF PRE-WAR EVENTS 1933 – DEC. 11, 1941*****
*****THE PATH TO WORLD WAR TWO****
Note: Remember America was neutral until Pearl Harbor is secretly attacked by Japan December 7,
1941****Also remember that America was in the midst of the worst economic crisis in their history, The
Great Depression***FDR’s New Deal is being implemented throughout this period.
1933 Good Neighbor Policy - Formal Recognition of the USSR by the USA – Adolph Hitler becomes
Chancellor of Germany- The USA refuses to attend the London Economic Conference
1934 Tydings-McDuffie Act (Philippine future freedom) – Sec. of State Hull’s Reciprocal Trade
Agreements begin to be negotiated – The Senate “Nye Committee” begins to meet to investigate the
causes of American entry into WWI and the “Blood Business”---leads to passage of Neutrality Acts
1935 Italy (Mussolini) invades Ethiopia – Nuremburg (restrictive Jewish) Laws passed in Germany –
The 1st of the 3---The Neutrality Act of 1935
1936 Spanish Civil War (until 1939) [Guernica-Picasso] - The Neutrality Act of 1936 – Berlin Olympics
[USA’s Jesse Owens –African/American wins 4 Gold Medals] - Hitler invades the Rhineland and takes it
back from neutrality enforced from the Versailles Treaty—
1937 *WWII begins in Asia* { Japan invades China } – The Neutrality Act of 1937 (last of three
restrictive/Isolationist acts passed by the USA Congress) - The “U.S.S. Panay” incident in China – “Rape
of Nanking” – FDR’s “Quarantine Speech” – The Tripartite Pact is signed by Japan-Germany-Italy**
1938 Munich “appeasement” Conference (“peace in our time”) Hitler given Sudetenland – US Congress
passes Billion dollar Naval building Act – Germany Annexes Austria
1939 Hitler takes the rest of Czechoslovakia (violates the Munich agreement) – Italy invades Albania –
the Non-Aggression Pact*** is signed between the USSR and Germany** (the world trembles) –
Congress passes another Neutrality Act***but this is different*** it actually allows the USA to sell goods
to the Allies for Cash [called the Cash & Carry Bill---and changes our perspective of Neutrality] –
*****WWII begins in Europe when Germany invades Poland (the USSR invades Poland from the East,
too) Sep. 1, 1939—Britain & France Declare War on Germany***
1940 Destroyers for Bases deal with GB (executive order by FDR no debate in Congress*) –
Silent*”Phony War” leads to Germany attacking and Invading
Denmark/Norway/Luxembourg/Netherlands/Belgium—then FRANCE - Italy invades France- FRANCE
FALLS IN JUNE**** - USA CONGRESS PASSES THE WWII DRAFT (selective service act) – Election
of 1940 (FDR wins 3rd consecutive term 1st President ever) – Britain now the last country in Europe left to
Oppose Hitler—so Hitler begins air attacks on Britain (Called the Battle of Britain) – Japan invades
Southeast Asia (Burma, French Indochina**(future Vietnam), Sumatra)
1941
FDR’s 4 freedom’s speech** - ***Bill # 1776 is passed after vigorous debate***The
LEND-LEASE ACT (We become the world’s “ARSENAL OF DEMOCRACY”) - Germany invades:
Greece, North Africa, and USSR(BIG MISTAKE)**** THE USA EMBARGOES JAPAN--- JAPAN
attacks Pearl Harbor Hawaii/DEC 7 1941 (this attack brings the USA into WWII v Japan only at this
point Congress declares War against Japan DEC 8th - DEC 11th Germany and Italy DECLARE WAR
ON THE USA (another big mistake for Hitler)*** The USA Declares War on GERMANY AND ITALY,
TOO – WINSTON CHURCHILL AND FDR MEET SECRETLY ON A SHIP OFF THE COAST OF
CANADA AND SIGN “THE ATLANTIC CHARTER” –agree to focus on defeating Germany first
(ABC-1 Plan) and more---THE USA IS NOW AT WAR ACROSS THE WORLD ---ASIA AND
EUROPE/AFRICA****