1945 Part 2: The Death of FDR
Apr 24, 2025
In this insightful discussion, historian John McManus delves into the closing chapters of World War II, while Doris Kearns Goodwin shares her deep knowledge of Roosevelt and Truman's leadership during tumultuous times. Rebecca Erbelding provides harrowing accounts of liberation from concentration camps and Edward R. Murrow’s influential reporting. The emotional turmoil of soldiers facing unimaginable horrors is highlighted, alongside the urgent challenges Truman faced as he stepped into presidency amid global despair.
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Shock of Liberating Camps
- Many American soldiers and generals had no idea about the full horrors of concentration camps until liberating them in April 1945.
- Their initial reactions included shock, guilt, and difficulty processing the suffering they witnessed.
Killing Survivors With Kindness
- Soldiers tried to feed starving survivors immediately but often this overwhelmed their weakened bodies and caused deaths.
- Liberators faced the heart-wrenching challenge of keeping survivors incarcerated for their own survival.
Eisenhower's Early Documentation
- Even leading generals were shocked by the camp horrors despite knowing Jews were mistreated.
- Eisenhower documented and publicized the camps to prevent Holocaust denial and maintain military discipline.
