Texas Extra: It’s Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in ‘America First’
Sep 28, 2024
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H.W. Brands, a distinguished historian from UT-Austin, dives into his latest book exploring the clash between Franklin Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh during a pivotal time in American history. The conversation highlights Roosevelt's gradual shift to embrace global responsibilities amid rising isolationist sentiments. Brands also unpacks Lindbergh's complex legacy, revealing his achievements alongside troubling views, particularly on anti-Semitism. The discussion draws parallels between historical foreign policy debates and today's political landscape, making it both relevant and provocative.
The podcast explores the stark contrast between Roosevelt's interventionist stance and Lindbergh's isolationist philosophy during the World War II era.
It highlights how the 'America First' slogan has evolved from Lindbergh's anti-intervention rhetoric to contemporary debates about U.S. foreign policy interests.
Deep dives
The Debate on U.S. Participation in World War II
The American public faced a significant divide over involvement in World War II, with President Franklin Roosevelt advocating for U.S. engagement while many citizens, influenced by the aftermath of World War I and the Great Depression, preferred isolationism. Roosevelt believed that America's involvement was crucial for the nation’s future and its global standing, yet he largely refrained from publicly pushing this agenda until the war escalated. Conversely, aviation hero Charles Lindbergh emerged as a prominent voice against intervention, fostering a large following that shared his sentiments and argued for a focus on domestic issues over European conflicts. Lindbergh's influence was underscored by his status as a national icon, who, though initially supportive of Roosevelt’s policies, later became disillusioned by what he perceived as a push to involve the U.S. in European wars.
Contrasting Perspectives on Foreign Policy
The contrasting foreign policy philosophies of Roosevelt and Lindbergh highlight a pivotal juncture in American history where interventionism clashed with isolationist sentiments. Lindbergh emphasized America’s need to avoid foreign entanglements, suggesting instead that the U.S. should strengthen its own defenses and only react to threats if they manifested on American soil. He criticized the notion presented by Roosevelt and interventionists that conflict in Europe posed a direct threat to the U.S., arguing instead that America should focus on defending its own hemisphere. This debate set the stage for lasting impacts on American foreign policy, influencing how future generations perceived the role of the U.S. in global affairs.
The Enduring Legacy of 'America First'
The America First slogan has evolved over decades, but its roots stem from the isolationist movement led by figures like Lindbergh who sought to protect U.S. interests without entanglement in foreign wars. Even as support for intervention grew during World War II, the foundational ideas of prioritizing American interests carried through to later political contexts, including modern discussions around foreign policy. Lindbergh’s arguments against intervention were framed within a broader context of protecting American sovereignty and ensuring national security, which resonate with contemporary debates on military engagements abroad. The term continues to evoke complex sentiments, ranging from patriotic zeal to accusations of regression in foreign policy thinking, illustrating its multifaceted legacy in American political discourse.
UT-Austin historian H.W. Brands is known for taking a very personal approach to history. This is an extended interview about his latest book, America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War.
The full transcript of this episode of Texas Standard is available on the KUT & KUTX Studio website. The transcript is also available as subtitles or captions on some podcast apps.
