Chatter: FDR, Charles Lindbergh, and Presidential Libraries with Paul Sparrow
Jun 11, 2024
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Former Director of FDR Library, Paul Sparrow, discusses FDR vs. Lindbergh, America First movement, FDR's intelligence challenges, Lindbergh's Nazi support, and Eleanor Roosevelt's wartime contributions.
FDR excelled in crisis communication through fireside chats, boosting public confidence in banking crises.
Charles Lindbergh's isolationist views and anti-war stance polarized public opinion despite widespread support.
The America First Committee, led by Lindbergh, evolved into a prominent isolationist movement challenging FDR's foreign policy decisions.
Deep dives
FDR's Persuasive Abilities and Leadership
FDR's remarkable ability to persuade the American people during crises is highlighted, such as his convincing fireside chat during a major banking crisis that restored confidence. His leadership is commended for steering the country through challenges, including rearmament efforts and aid to England despite public opposition. His persuasive communication style and strategic decision-making were instrumental in rallying public support.
Lindbergh's Influence and Controversial Views
Renowned aviator Charles Lindbergh's public influence and controversial views are discussed, particularly his anti-war stance and isolationist beliefs. Lindbergh's popularity and speaking engagements, both on radio and in person, garnered widespread support, despite his contentious remarks comparing Germany and Great Britain and alleged connections to pro-Nazi sentiments.
America First Movement and Political Dynamics
The formation of the America First Committee, led by Lindbergh, is analyzed, revealing the organization's progression from college anti-war origins to a prominent isolationist movement. Lindbergh's pivotal role as a spokesperson for America First amid escalating tensions, public adulation, and aligned anti-interventionist sentiments marked a significant political dynamic challenging FDR's foreign policy decisions.
FDR's Political Challenges and Lindbergh's Connections
During the 1940s, the political landscape was tumultuous as revealed in the podcast. Congressman Hamilton Fish III, despite representing FDR's district, harbored personal animosity towards him. The infiltration of Nazi agents, such as George Viereck, funneled money to congressmen to spread anti-Roosevelt propaganda. This clandestine operation was exposed during an FBI investigation uncovering German influence in American politics.
Shifts in Public Opinion and Lindbergh's Decline
The podcast delves into how public sentiments evolved in 1941. Initially hesitant to engage in the war, the American public's perspective shifted due to intense German attacks. Charles Lindbergh's isolationist stance faced criticism, especially after his controversial speeches attributing war provocations to British, Jewish, and Roosevelt influences. The Pearl Harbor attack in December 1941 marked a turning point, aligning public opinion in favor of supporting the war efforts.
Paul Sparrow, who served as Director of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum from 2015 to 2022, has written the book Awakening the Spirit of America about the war of words between FDR and Charles Lindbergh in 1940-41.
He joined host David Priess to discuss his path to the FDR Library, the history of presidential libraries, how the Roosevelt-Lindbergh war of words reveals much about the American experience before and during the Second World War, why Lindbergh never ran for president, the America First movement, Roosevelt's chaotic approach to intelligence, FDR's popular legacy, and more.
Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.
