The United States was preoccupied with domestic issues, especially economic issues, during the run-up to the war in Europe.
The Neutrality Act was intended to keep America out of another war. The Roosevelt Administration looked for ways to aid France and Britain in spite of it.
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Fanfare
Opening War Theme
“Komm, süßer Tod”
Composed in 1736 by Johann Sebastian Bach. Public domain.
Performed by Laurindo Almeida. Public domain recording. Source.
Closing War Theme
Except when otherwise indicated, the contents of this podcast are © and ℗ 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 by Mark Painter, all rights reserved. Some music and sound effects used by arrangement with Pond 5.
Hello Mark. Great episode as always. Have you seen the new 3-part docu drama on FDR that aired on the History Channel on Memorial Day Weekend this year? If not, then I definitely think that you should check it out. I really enjoyed the docu drama and think that the history channel had some good points about FDR’s presidency. Now to my thoughts on the episode. It really is a shame that both Cuba and the United States did not accept most of the passengers of the St. Louis as they were fleeing from Nazi persecution. Imagine how many more lives could have been saved if the U.S. or Cuba would have allowed at least some of those refugees into their respective countries. Also, I think that it is quite interesting that the demise of the German American Bund was hastened by the fact that the 1939 rally was held in New York City. I also find it absurd that George Washington was called the first fascist at the 1939 rally. George Washington is a far cry from a fascist to say the least. He actually gave up power voluntarily in 1797 by choosing to not run for a third term in 1796. This was after he reluctantly ran for president twice. Fascists always seem to be the type who want to hang onto power at all costs.