„„Letter from President Roosevelt to Chancellor Date: April 14, 1939 Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt Genre: letter

Summary Overview On , 1939, Nazi German forces invaded Czechoslovakia became part of the Nazi sphere of in- Czechoslovakia, initiating a military campaign that fluence. By 1938, Hitler had also launched his most would continue with invasions of Poland, Norway, Den- infamous campaign—the persecution, imprisonment, mark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and and finally genocide of Jews that subsequently became France by the end of 1940. On April 14, 1939, US pres- known as the Holocaust. ident Franklin D. Roosevelt issued a message to Ger- In the United States, Americans expected Roosevelt man chancellor Adolf Hitler, appealing to him to refrain to focus on the Great Depression rather than on Euro- from further aggression. Roosevelt argued that the Nazi pean matters. In addition to the Depression, the devas- expansion threatened to start a new war in Europe, and tation of World War I remained on Americans’ minds. he called upon Hitler to agree not to attack any other The majority opposed US intervention against Hitler sovereign nation in Europe, Africa, or the Middle East. and Italian Fascist leader (who had In the interest of the hundreds of millions of people po- invaded and occupied Ethiopia in 1935–36). Despite tentially affected by German expansion in Europe, Roo- these political limitations, however, Roosevelt sought sevelt implored Hitler to work with the United States to maintain the United States’ status as an important and its allies to promote world peace. transatlantic leader. Many of his speeches focused on the need to support American allies in Europe during Defining Moment the growing crisis. Shortly after Hitler formalized the The ascension of Hitler to the role of German chan- annexation of Czechoslovakia, Roosevelt looked to build cellor in 1933 (and then Führer, or “leader”) had tre- upon his transatlantic policy by directly contacting Hit- mendous implications for the international community. ler in an attempt to end the growing tensions in Europe. Hitler spoke of rescuing Germany from its crippled post–World War I condition to a strong state that would Author Biography last for a thousand years. As Hitler created an internal Franklin D. Roosevelt was born on June 30, 1882, in order compliant with his ideology, he also looked out- Hyde Park, . He attended Harvard University, ward from the boundaries imposed on his country af- graduating in 1903 after only three years. After studying ter World War I, sending troops into the demilitarized law at Columbia University, Roosevelt practiced law in Rhineland in 1936. New York before entering politics as a state senator in In 1937, Hitler made clear that his ambitions were 1910. Roosevelt was appointed assistant secretary of the to expand well beyond its post–World Navy by President Woodrow Wilson, serving in that role War I borders. In 1938, Germany annexed Austria, in from 1913 to 1920. In 1921, he was diagnosed with po- an event known as Anschluss, protecting Germany on lio, a crippling disease that limited his mobility. In 1928, its eastern border. Later that year, the German mili- Roosevelt was elected governor of New York, earning re- tary moved south, annexing the portion of Czechoslo- election in 1930. In 1932, he won the presidency, gain- vakia known as the Sudetenland (whose three mil- ing reelection three times thereafter, during which time lion Sudeten Germans supported joining Germany). he oversaw the country’s recovery from the Great De- That move helped topple the democratic Czech gov- pression and most of World War II. On April 12, 1945, ernment in . With British leadership appeas- Roosevelt died from a stroke while on vacation in ing Hitler instead of moving forcefully to stop him, Georgia.

3 4 • THE LEAD-UP TO WAR

HISTORICAL DOCUMENT

His Excellency Adolf Hitler, Chancellor of the German this situation must end in catastrophe unless a more Reich, Berlin, Germany rational way of guiding events is found. You have repeatedly asserted that you and the Ger- You realize, I am sure, that throughout the world hun- man people have no desire for war. If this is true there dreds of millions of human beings are living today in con- need be no war. stant fear of a new war or even a series of wars. Nothing can persuade the peoples of the earth that The existence of this fear--and the possibility of such any governing power has any right or need to inflict the a conflict--are of definite concern to the people of the consequences of war on its own or any other people save United States for whom I speak, as they must also be to in the cause of self-evident home defense. the peoples of the other nations of the entire Western In making this statement we as Americans speak not Hemisphere. All of them know that any major war even through selfishness or fear or weakness. If we speak now if it were to be confined to other continents, must bear it is with the voice of strength and with friendship for heavily on them during its continuance and also for gen- mankind. It is still clear to me that international prob- erations to come. lems can be solved at the council table. Because of the fact that after the acute tension in It is therefore no answer to the plea for peaceful dis- which the world has been living during the past few cussion for one side to plead that unless they receive weeks there would seem to be at least a momentary assurances beforehand that the verdict will be theirs, relaxation--because no troops are at this moment on the they will not lay aside their arms. In conference rooms, march--this may be an opportune moment for me to send as in courts, it is necessary that both sides enter upon you this message. the discussion in good faith, assuming that substantial On a previous occasion I have addressed you in behalf justice will accrue to both; and it is customary and neces- of the settlement of political, economic, and social prob- sary that they leave their arms outside the room where lems by peaceful methods and without resort to arms. they confer. But the tide of events seems to have reverted to the I am convinced that the cause of world peace would threat of arms. If such threats continue, it seems inevi- be greatly advanced if the nations of the world were to table that much of the world must become involved in obtain a frank statement relating to--the present and common ruin. All the world, victor nations, vanquished future policy of Governments. nations, and neutral nations, will suffer. I refuse to Because the United States, as one of the Nations of believe that the world is, of necessity, such a prisoner the Western Hemisphere, is not involved in the imme- of destiny. On the contrary, it is clear that the leaders diate controversies which have arisen in Europe, I trust of great nations have it in their power to liberate their that you may be willing to make such a statement of pol- peoples from the disaster that impends. It is equally clear icy to me as head of a Nation far removed from Europe in that in theirown minds and in their own hearts the peo- order that I, acting only with the responsibility and obli- ples themselves desire that their fears be ended. gation of a friendly intermediary, may communicate such It is, however, unfortunately necessary to take cogni- declaration to other nations now apprehensive as to the zance of recent facts. course which the policy of your Government may take. Three nations in Europe and one in Africa have seen Are you willing to give assurance that your armed their independent existence terminated. A vast territory forces will not attack or invade the territory or posses- in another independent Nation of the Far East has been sions of the following independent nations: Finland, occupied by a neighboring State. Reports, which we trust , Latvia, , Sweden, Norway, Denmark, are not true, insist that further acts of aggression are The Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain and Ireland, contemplated against still other independent nations. France, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Plainly the world is moving toward the moment when Luxembourg, Poland, Hungary, Rumania, Yugoslavia, Letter from President Roosevelt to Chancellor Adolf Hitler • 5

Russia, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, the Arabias, Syria, Nation of the earth may be enabled to buy and sell on Palestine, and . equal terms in the world market as well as to possess Such an assurance clearly must apply not only to the assurance of obtaining the materials and products of present day but also to a future sufficiently long to give peaceful economic life. every opportunity to work by peaceful methods for a At the same time, those Governments other than more permanent peace. I therefore suggest that you con- the United States I which are directly interested could strue the word “future” to apply to a minimum period of undertake such political discussions as they may con- assured non-aggression-ten years at the least-a quarter of sider necessary or desirable. a century, if we dare look that far ahead. We recognize complex world problems which affect If such assurance is given by your Government, I all humanity but we know that study and discussion of shall immediately transmit it to the Governments of the them must be held in an atmosphere of peace. Such nations I have named and I shall simultaneously inquire an atmosphere of peace cannot exist if negotiations are whether, as I am reasonably sure, each of the nations overshadowed by the threat of force or by the fear of war. enumerated will in turn give like assurance for transmis- I think you will not misunderstand the spirit of frank- sion to you. ness in which I send you this message. Heads of great Reciprocal assurances such as I have outlined will Governments in this hour are literally responsible for bring to the world an immediate measure of relief. the fate of humanity in the coming years. They cannot I propose that if it is given, two essential problems fail to hear the prayers of their peoples to be protected shall promptly be discussed in the resulting peaceful sur- from the foreseeable chaos of war. History will hold them roundings, and in those discussions the Government of accountable for the lives and the happiness of all--even the United States will gladly take part. unto the least. The discussions which I have in mind relate to the I hope that your answer will make it possible for most effective and immediate manner through which humanity to lose fear and regain security for many years the peoples of the world can obtain progressive relief to come. from the crushing burden of armament which is each day bringing them more closely to the brink of economic A similar message is being addressed to the Chief of disaster. Simultaneously the Government of the United the Italian Government. States would be prepared to take part in discussions looking toward the most practical manner of opening FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. up avenues of international trade to the end that every

GLOSSARY

accrue: to happen or result as a natural growth; to be added as a matter of periodic gain or advantage

cognizance: awareness, realization, or knowledge

impend: to be imminent; about to happen; to threaten or menace

Document Analysis Limited by American isolationism yet cognizant of the In 1939, recalling the devastation of World War I, implications of Hitler’s actions, President Roosevelt Americans were overwhelmingly against engaging in wrote this communication directly to Hitler, appealing another major international conflict. Nonetheless, as for the German leader to halt his campaign, embrace Hitler and his Nazi German forces continued their the notion of world peace, and join the international expansion efforts, the nations of Europe, North Afri- community. ca, and the Middle East teetered on the brink of war. Roosevelt wrote this letter a few weeks after the Ger- 6 • THE LEAD-UP TO WAR

man annexation of Czechoslovakia but at a time during Mussolini. However, Roosevelt also was certain that which it appeared Nazi troops were stationary. Roos- the country retained status as an international political, evelt hoped his letter would convince Hitler to move economic, and military power. Thus, he believed that no further. The continued advancement of the German US neutrality could prove an effective tool in defus- military, Roosevelt writes, threatened a large number ing the crisis in Europe. Therefore, his letter to Hitler of sovereign nations on three continents. If Germany contained language that promised Germany fair and continued to show such hostility, Roosevelt warns, his equitable treatment if Hitler and Mussolini halted their actions would inevitably lead to a second world war. military campaigns. Roosevelt tells Hitler that he had advised him in the Roosevelt’s approach to Hitler was tempered but, in his past to pursue his nation’s social, political, and economic words, “frank.” Hitler’s actions had been aggressive and interests using peaceful means. However, Hitler quite militaristic in nature, and many more sovereign nations, clearly had been utilizing the “threat of arms,” a policy that from England to Portugal, the , and Iran only promised war. To his credit, Roosevelt says, Hitler potentially lay in Hitler’s scope. Roosevelt warned that if had said in the past that he had no desire for Germany Hitler continued down an aggressive path, Europe would to enter another war. However, Czechoslovakia had al- suffer physical and economic devastation. ready lost its sovereignty by force. War, Roosevelt says, Roosevelt gave Hitler an opportunity to avoid this fate was nearly at hand. by offering the United States as mediator. Had Hitler Despite Hitler’s imperial endeavors, Roosevelt argues agreed to embrace peace, the United States would have that he still has time to change course. By virtue of its been better able to advocate for Germany in the League geographic isolation from Europe and its official neutrality of Nations. Roosevelt’s letter represents the American at- on European matters, the United States could act as an tempt to quell political and military tensions in Europe intermediary and return Hitler’s Germany to diplomatic during a time that the United States wished to maintain circles. Roosevelt adds that the United States would help its neutrality, before what became an inevitable war on a Germany address its concerns through the League of Na- global scale. tions instead of through military means. However, Roo- sevelt cautions, the United States would only be willing —Michael P. Auerbach, MA to do so if Germany makes certain provisions—specifi- cally, declaring that Germany would not attack the other Bibliography and Additional Reading twenty-four sovereign European and the seven sovereign “Franklin D. Roosevelt.” WhiteHouse.gov. White Middle Eastern nations within Germany’s scope of inter- House, 2014. Web. 16 Oct. 2014. est. This pledge would cover not only the present but also Hauner, Milan. “Could Prague Have Defied Hitler?” the foreseeable future, Roosevelt states. In light of the re- World Policy Journal 21.1 (2004): 91–95. Print. lief this agreement would bring to the region, Germany MacGregor Burns, James, and Susan Dunn. The Three would undoubtedly be able to negotiate and address inter- Roosevelts: Patrician Leaders Who Transformed Amer- state issues on the international stage rather than through ica. New York: Grove, 2002. Print. war. Every major government in Europe, Roosevelt adds, McCullough, Tony. “FDR as Founding Father of the is prepared to vigorously defend their respective citizens Transatlantic Alliance: The Roosevelt Doctrine of from German aggression, and Hitler has the power to .” Journal of Transatlantic Studies 8.3 avoid such a conflict. (2010): 224–35. Print. Schoenl, William. “Jung’s Evolving Views of Nazi Ger- Essential Themes many: From 1936 to the End of World War II.” Jour- President Roosevelt and other American leaders did not nal of Analytical Psychology 59.2 (2014): 245–62. plan to enter a new European war as long as the United Print. States was not immediately threatened by Hitler and „„F.D.R.: There Will Be No Blackout of Peace in America Date: , 1939 Author: Franklin D. Roosevelt Genre: speech

Summary Overview In , the rising threat against American both toward Beijing (a close trading partner of Europe allies in Europe and China prompted President Frank- and the United States) and into the South Pacific. lin D. Roosevelt to rethink the perceived benefits of the Weary from World War I and still reeling from the so-called Neutrality Acts passed earlier in the decade. Great Depression, the United States remained on the Roosevelt concluded that the language contained in the sidelines. A majority of Americans felt that the grow- acts failed to distinguish between the aggressors and ing crisis was a European matter and that neutrality the victims of the aggressors in conflicts such as the was the better course of action. The prevailing opinion one that was developing. Such vagueness, he argued, was that the United States should eschew offering any gave a passive form of aid to aggressors such as Adolf support to any of the combatants and instead focus on Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Emperor Hirohito. There- ensuring its own security and integrity and that of the fore, Roosevelt delivered a message to a joint session of rest of the Western Hemisphere. This attitude was bol- Congress, calling for the repeal of the Neutrality Acts stered by the Neutrality Act of 1935, which was intro- and replacing them with a return to the much clearer duced after a congressional panel concluded that the tenets of international law. Such a move, he argued, United States was drawn into World War I because it would better position the United States and others to had offered support to its European allies. The Neu- address the threats at hand and promote peace in the trality Act, and its subsequent amendments throughout European and Pacific theaters. the decade, placed a strict embargo on any supplies or aid sent to any of the combatants of the 1939 war. Defining Moment Although the isolationists prevailed in the , a Over a decade after the Treaty of Versailles brought growing number of Americans advocated for greater an end to World War I, Germany reemerged from its participation in the war, even if this meant American crippled economic and political state under the nation- troops landing in Europe. At the core of the interven- alistic fervor of new chancellor Adolf Hitler. Upon as- tionists’ collective philosophies was the notion that suming power in 1933, Hitler set about his long-stated democracy was in jeopardy and that if traditional al- goals of expanding Germany’s geographic domain. He lies such as Great Britain and France were to fall, the began by sending troops into the Rhineland, a direct United States and its democratic institutions would violation of the Treaty of Versailles, and annexing Aus- then face a very real and imminent threat to its contin- tria. In , the Nazis moved from the Sude- ued existence. tenland into the rest of Czechoslovakia, followed by Po- On Capitol Hill, debate began over whether the land in September. Several years earlier, fascist Italian Neutrality Act was both hampering the United States’ leader Benito Mussolini had sent his own troops into ability to defend its interests abroad and undermining Ethiopia, and the Italian occupation was ongoing. The the president’s authority regarding the country’s securi- Spanish Civil War had ended in early 1939 with the ty. Rumors and rhetoric dominated the country. In June aid of Hitler and Mussolini, bringing dictator Francisco 1939, Roosevelt, himself under the impression that the Franco to power. On the other side of the world, prior war in Europe had tremendous implications for Ameri- to joining forces with Germany and , Japan invaded can interests, went on a CBS radio program to give clar- the Chinese region of Manchuria in 1933 and by the ity to the US position on the war. latter 1930s was using its puppet state there to advance

7 8 • THE LEAD-UP TO WAR

Author Biography In 1921, Roosevelt was diagnosed with polio, a crip- Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, pling disease that limited his mobility. Nevertheless, 1882, in Hyde Park, New York. He graduated from he was elected governor of New York in 1928 and re- Harvard College in 1903 and began studying law at Co- elected in 1930. In 1932, he was elected president of lumbia University. Although he did not finish his law the United States. As a presidential term limit was not degree, Roosevelt passed the bar exam in New York and instituted until 1951, he was reelected three times, practiced law before being elected as a state senator making him the longest-serving president in US history. in 1910. Because of his strong leadership and organi- During his four terms in office, Roosevelt oversaw the zational skills, he was appointed assistant secretary of country’s recovery from the Great Depression and its the navy by President Woodrow Wilson, a post he held military participation during most of World War II. He from 1913 until 1920. died in office on April 12, 1945, after suffering a stroke while on vacation in Georgia.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENT

TONIGHT my single duty is to speak to the whole of You are, I believe, the most enlightened and the best- America. Until 4:30 o’clock this morning I had hoped informed people in all the world at this moment. You are against hope that some miracle would prevent a devas- subjected to no censorship of news, and I want to add tating war in Europe and bring to an end the invasion of that your government has no information which it has Poland by Germany. any thought of withholding from you. For four long years a succession of actual wars and At the same time, as I told my press conference on constant crises have shaken the entire world and have Friday,it is of the highest importance that the press and threatened in each case to bring on the gigantic conflict the radio use the utmost caution to discriminate between which is today unhappily a fact. actual verified fact on the one hand and mere rumor on It is right that I should recall to your minds the consis- the other. tent and at times successful efforts of your government in I can add to that by saying that I hope the people these crises to throw the full weight of the United States of this country will also discriminate most carefully into the cause of peace. In spite of spreading wars I think between news and rumor. Do not believe of necessity that we have every right and every reason to maintain as everything you hear or read. Check up on it first. a national policy the fundamental moralities, the teach- You must master at the outset a simple but unalter- ings of religion and the continuation of efforts to restore able fact in modern foreign relations. When peace has peace—for some day, though the time may be distant, we been broken anywhere, peace of all countries every- can be of even greater help to a crippled humanity. where is in danger. It is right, too, to point out that the unfortunate It is easy for you and me to shrug our shoulders and events of these recent years have been based on the use say that conflicts taking place thousands of miles from of force or the threat of force. And it seems to me clear, the continental United States, and, indeed, the whole even at the outbreak of this great war, that the influence American Hemisphere, do not seriously affect the Amer- of America should be consistent in seeking for humanity icas, and that all the United States has to do is to ignore a final peace which will eliminate, as far as it is possible them and go about our own business. to do so, the continued use of force between nations. Passionately though we may desire detachment, we It is, of course, impossible to predict the future. I have are forced to realize that every word that comes through my constant stream of information from American repre- the air, every ship that sails the sea, every battle that is sentatives and other sources throughout the world. You, fought does affect the American future. the people of this country, are receiving news through Let no man or woman thoughtlessly or falsely talk your radios and your newspapers at every hour of the day. of America sending its armies to European fields. At F.D.R.: There Will Be No Blackout of Peace in America • 9

this moment there is being prepared a proclamation of ple seek peace —peace at home, and the kind of peace American neutrality. This would have been done even if in other lands which will not jeopardize peace at home. there had been no neutrality statute on the books, for We have certain ideas and ideals of national safety this proclamation is in accordance with international law and we must act to preserve that safety today and to pre- and with American policy. serve the safety of our children in future years. This will be followed by a proclamation required by That safety is, and will be, bound up with the safety the existing Neutrality Act. I trust that in the days to of the Western Hemisphere and of the seas adjacent come our neutrality can be made a true neutrality. thereto. We seek to keep war from our firesides by keep- It is of the utmost importance that the people of this ing war from coming to the Americas. country, with the best information in the world, think For that we have historic precedent that goes back things through. The most dangerous enemies of Ameri- to the days of the administration of President George can peace are those who, without well-rounded informa- Washington. tion on the whole broad subject of the past, the present It is serious enough and tragic enough to every Ameri- and the future, undertake to speak with authority, to talk can family in every State in the Union to live in a world in terms of glittering generalities, to give to the nation that is torn by wars on other continents. Today there assurances or prophecies which are of little present or affect every American home. It is our national duty to use future value. every effort to keep them out of the Americas. I, myself, cannot and do not prophesy the course of And at this time let me make the simple plea that events abroad—and the reason is that because I have of partnership and selfishness be adjourned; and that necessity such a complete picture of what is going on in national unity be the thought that underlies all others. every part of the world, I do not dare to do so. And the This nation will remain a neutral nation, but I can- other reason is that I think it is honest for me to be hon- not ask that every American remain neutral in thought as est with the people of the United States. well. Even a neutral has a right to take account of facts. I cannot prophesy the immediate economic effect of Even a neutral cannot be asked to close his mind or his this new war on our nation but I do say that no American conscience. has the moral right to profiteer at the expense either of I have said not once but many times that I have seen his fellow-citizens or of the men, women and children war and that I hate war. I say that again and again. who are living and dying in the midst of war in Europe. I hope the United States will keep out of this war. I Some things we do know. Most of us in the United believe that it will. And I give you assurances that every States believe in spiritual values. Most of us, regardless effort of your government will be directed toward that of what church we belong to, believe in the spirit of the end. New Testament—a great teaching which opposes itself As long as it remains within my power to prevent it, to the use of force, of armed force, of marching armies there will be no blackout of peace in the United States. and falling bombs. The overwhelming masses of our peo-

Document Analysis and wishes that it would not come to the shores of the Roosevelt begins by telling listeners that war did indeed United States. However, he points out, the geography come to Europe when German troops arrived in Po- of the European conflict does not minimize the poten- land. This war is not a mere regional conflict between tial threat facing Americans; when peace in one region a few states with interests in Poland, he argues, but a has been broken, he says, “peace of all countries every- major conflict that affects every nation, regardless of where is in danger.” its geographic distance from the battlefield. Americans Roosevelt next addresses the issue of American neu- cannot simply “shrug [their] shoulders” and dismiss the trality. He warns Americans not to believe rumors, mis- war as an issue that will not affect the Western Hemi- information, and rhetoric without first gathering all the sphere, he says. He acknowledges that every American, facts, reminding his audience that they have the benefit including Roosevelt himself, abhors the idea of war of news that is free from censorship or propaganda, as 10 • THE LEAD-UP TO WAR

well as a transparent government that they themselves predictable nature of war prevented him from making control. In light of the freedom and rights established certain statements about future policy. for every citizen in the Constitution, Roosevelt says, While most Americans had previously dismissed the Americans can and should expect that information coming war as a purely European affair, Roosevelt said, about the war will be shared as soon as it is received. it was time to accept the fact that the war affected the Among the issues about which he believes Americans United States too, as any threat to international peace should be fully informed is the nation’s long-standing was a threat to all nations throughout the world. The policy of neutrality. Many parties, he warns, might had thrown the international com- suggest that the invasion of Poland should induce the munity into near chaos, and Roosevelt warned that the United States to forgo its neutrality and involve itself in subsequent would almost certainly the conflict. Roosevelt says that he and his administra- generate an atmosphere of rhetoric and propaganda. tion continue to be bound by the Neutrality Act and He assured Americans that he and his administration that it is his expectation that the United States will be would continue to respect the open and honest prin- able to remain neutral as the war continues. ciples of information dissemination enshrined in the Despite this, Roosevelt acknowledges that he cannot Constitution. Roosevelt promised Americans that he say with certainty that the war will remain in Europe would continue to proclaim the nation’s neutrality and and that the United States can continue to remain on comply with the Neutrality Act. However, the unpre- the sidelines. Such matters are unpredictable and sub- dictability of war meant that the United States might ject to frequent change. Still, he says, the United States be forced to abandon this policy in the future. In the should continue to advocate for peace while preparing interim, Roosevelt said, the United States should con- for the possibility of war, and it is the “national duty” tinue to embrace and advocate for international peace, of the country and its citizens to do their part to keep in accordance with its “spiritual values” and “the spirit the war away from their coastlines. In the meantime, of the New Testament.” he promises, he and the rest of the government will continue to be a constant proponent of peace and inter- —Michael P. Auerbach, MA national law during a period of widespread war. Bibliography and Additional Reading Essential Themes “Biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Franklin D. Roos- Roosevelt’s address came two days after the German evelt Presidential Library and Museum. Natl. Archives military swept into Poland, an act that would inevita- and Records Administration, n.d. Web. 3 Nov. 2014. bly start a major international war. The purpose of the Burns, James MacGregor, and Susan Dunn. The Three radio speech was twofold. First, Roosevelt looked to Roosevelts: Patrician Leaders Who Transformed Amer- emphasize the significance of this war—namely, that it ica. New York: Grove, 2001. Print. indeed had implications for the United States, even if it Crawford, Kenneth G. “Goodby Neutrality.” Nation 15 was taking place across the Atlantic Ocean. Second, he Apr. 1939: 423–24. Print. looked to position his administration and the American Freidel, Frank, and Hugh Sidey. “Franklin D. Roos- government as an unbiased resource for truth about the evelt.” WhiteHouse.gov. White House, n.d. Web. 3 war and the United States’ position regarding the con- Nov. 2014. flict. Taliaferro, Jeffrey W. “Strategy of Innocence or Prov- Because his address took place two days after the ocation? The Roosevelt Administration’s Road to invasion of Poland and immediately after Great Brit- World War II.” The Challenge of Grand Strategy: The ain, France, Australia, and New Zealand had declared Great Powers and the Broken Balance between the war on Germany, President Roosevelt took to the air- World Wars. Ed. Taliaferro, Norrin M. Ripsman, and waves during a period of enormous uncertainty and Steven E. Lobell. New York: Cambridge UP, 2012. fear. Roosevelt warned every American not to dismiss 193–223. Print. the significance of the war or its implications for the “World War II Timeline.” National Geographic. Natl. United States. He said that the country would continue Geographic Soc., 2001. Web. 3 Nov. 2014. to remain true to its stated neutral position, but the un-