America First and Isolationism in the 1940s

Charles Lindbergh's Influence

• Charles Lindbergh: Famous aviator known for the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic and became an international celebrity.
• Political Involvement: Used his fame to become the spokesman for the largest anti-war organization in U.S. history, the America First Committee.

The America First Committee

• Formation: Created to embody the isolationist sentiment prevalent in the U.S.
• Members: Included prominent figures like Frank Lloyd Wright and Walt Disney.
• Popularity: At its height during 1941 with around 800,000 members.
• Lindbergh's Role: Became the leading champion against U.S. involvement in WWII.

Isolationism in the United States

• Historical Context: After WWI, U.S. returned to isolationism due to high casualties.
• Policies:
  • Strict immigration laws.
  • High tariffs, which contributed to the Great Depression.
  • A reduced military.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) and the Shift from Isolationism

• New Deal: Introduced programs to address unemployment and economic crisis.
• Challenges:
  • Needed isolationists in Congress to pass domestic agendas.
  • FDR followed neutrality acts initially to avoid foreign entanglements.
• International Maneuvers:
  • Sent a letter to Hitler to respect other nations' sovereignty (unsuccessful).
  • Slowly led the U.S. towards aiding the Allies.

The Road to Involvement in WWII

• Military Aid: Convinced Congress to sell arms to Britain and France.
• Public Opinion: Gradually shifted to favor intervention to protect democracy.
• Cabinet Rebellion: Secretary of War Harry Woodring was a pacifist, later joined the America First Committee.

Turning Point

• Pearl Harbor: Attack on December 7, 1941, shifted public opinion dramatically, leading to U.S. entering WWII.
• Outcome:
  • America First Committee disbanded.
  • Isolationism diminished significantly.

Legacy and Continuation

• Post-War Politics: Isolationism persisted in the Republican Party until changes led by a war hero (to be discussed further).

These notes cover the key aspects of the isolationist sentiment in the U.S. during the 1940s, the role of Charles Lindbergh and the America First Committee, and the lead-up to U.S. involvement in WWII under FDR's leadership.