FDR’s Preparation for War
What did FDR do that
helped prepare an
isolationist nation for
war.
Steven Felzenberg
“ He (FDR) committed his greatest political
mistake as president when, in the
aftermath of his record-breaking 1936 reelection landslide, without preparing the
country he embarked on his ill-conceived
and ill-fated scheme to pack the Supreme
Court.
Steven Felzenberg
He recovered from that defeat in time to
render his greatest services to his
country, his masterful nudging of the
United States away from its post World
War I isolationism and his extraordinary
performance as commander in chief
during World War II.”
Recognition of the Soviet Union



The US refused to officially recognize Soviet
Union’s Bolshevik Government in the fall of
1933.
FDR recognizes them stating:
1. The US needs to open up trade with them.
FDR’s rationale
1. Check Japanese Power
2. Prepare the US to start thinking
internationally.
US entrance into the World
Court
In 1935, FDR proposes the US enter the
World Court.
 This is a message to the Japanese and
Fascists that the US will get involved.
 The Senate defeats this due to isolationist
fears.
1. FDR realizes isolationism is still very
strong in the US.

The Quarantine Speech
The Japanese invade China which confirms
FDR’s fear of their expansionist desire.
 In 1937, he gives the “Quarantine Speech”
stating the US will use economic sanctions to
help quarantine and contain them.
1) The press hammers him questioning that he
is actually preparing a potential military action.
http://millercenter.org/president/fdroosevelt/speec
hes/speech-3310
(- 5:20)

FDR to an aide after this
reaction
“It’s a terrible thing to look over your
shoulder when you are trying to lead and
find no one there,…”
Disappointments




The US Congress and public will not let him get
involved in the Spanish Civil War.
In 1939, FDR asks to supplement the neutrality
laws on a “cash and carry” basis.
1) This is defeated by the Senate.
By 1939, FDR is really boxed in and feels he
will not be able to prepare the nation and help
the allies once the war starts.
Also, his Second Term is almost up. What
should he do?
“Drafting” FDR for a Third
Term




After the 1938 purge failed, members of FDR’s staff
and other New Dealers start floating the idea of FDR
running for a 3rd term.
Gov. Frank Murphy (MI) gives a speech in Traverse City
citing this idea. (July 26, 1938) - “The New Deal must
go on and we may have to draft the President for four
more years of leadership.”
The New York Times picks up the speech and starts
the speculation. Would be nominees start having
second thoughts just in case FDR does run.
FDR is able to keep people out of the loop and achieve
this thanks in large part to his re-organization of the
Executive Branch.
Samuel Lubell, Democratic Pollster and
Washington Post Reporter (After FDR wins
re-election in 1940)

“The Republicans do not know what hit
them; the Democrats certainly, as
distinguished from the New Dealers, do
not know what they hit the Republicans
with.
The New Deal aimed at a bloodless
revolution. In 1940 it went a long way
toward accomplishing it.”
World War II (1939 - Nov. 1941)



FDR knows the US must have a role in this war.
1) The Nazi’s attack on W. Europe
2) Japan’s aggression
FDR decides the US will be officially neutral but
not in their actions.
The polls show:
1) 90% of Americans don’t want war
2) A majority due support the Allies
Cash and Carry Neutrality Again



FDR says that if the US is going to stay out of
the war, they need to help the Allies win.
The Congress supports the “Cash and Carry”
proposal. (Sept, 1939)
1) The Allies can buy war materials paying
directly with cash. (Britain and France)
2) They must carry it on their own ships.
This time Congress approves this.
Spring and Summer 1940
The French are quickly defeated by the
Germans.
 This leaves the British alone fighting
against the Germans.
 At this point, FDR decides to run for a 3rd
term.
----- End of Part I ----
Destroyer/Bases




Churchill asks FDR for 50 WWI destroyers to
form a defensive line against Hitler’s invasion.
FDR needs figure a way to sell this to the
American Public.
FDR explains we are trading these old “tin
cans” for a huge strategic advantage.
1) 99 year lease on British bases which will
protect the US against Germany.
The Press says it’s the greatest deal since the
Lousiana Purchase.
Spring and Summer 1940

The US Army is no match for Hitler.
1. US army is 200,000. Germany is 2 million
2. US Army is grossly unequipped as shown in
the Newburgh, NY exercises.
a. Use broomsticks instead of rifles.
b. Milk trucks portray German tanks.
3. There is no draft.
Peacetime Draft of 1940





FDR proposes while running for a 3rd term. (A
big risk)
Isolationist say it is a step in entering the war.
FDR proposes only 1 year of service.
1) Prepare them just in case we are attacked.
2) They will NOT be sent overseas.
FDR is able to get this passed by making it a
defensive measure.
16 million men register.
1) 1 million are trained.
2) 800,000 reserves called up.