America First Committee | History Lessons

Summary

In this episode of History Lessons, Jim Lindsay discusses the formation of the America First Committee in 1940, which emerged from American fears of foreign entanglement as World War II escalated in Europe. The committee advocated for strong national defense and non-interventionist policies, garnering significant support across the nation. Despite its popularity, the committee's efforts to keep the U.S. out of the war ultimately failed, especially after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Lindsay reflects on the enduring debate over American intervention in foreign conflicts, drawing parallels to contemporary discussions about U.S. involvement in places like Libya and Syria.

Takeaways

• 😀 The America First Committee was established on September 4, 1940, amid fears of U.S. involvement in World War II.
• 😀 The committee's founding was influenced by past experiences, notably Woodrow Wilson's shift from neutrality to war in World War I.
• 😀 Key figures in the committee included future president Gerald Ford and future Supreme Court justice Potter Stewart.
• 😀 The America First Committee gained significant traction, claiming over 750,000 dues-paying members at its peak.
• 😀 Its core principles emphasized a strong national defense and opposition to foreign entanglements.
• 😀 The committee argued that aid to foreign nations could jeopardize American security and draw the U.S. into war.
• 😀 Members were motivated by various factors, including anti-war sentiment, national interests, and, in some cases, anti-Semitism.
• 😀 Despite its popularity, the committee struggled to prevent U.S. involvement as tensions escalated leading up to Pearl Harbor.
• 😀 After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the committee disbanded, acknowledging the need for military action.
• 😀 The legacy of the America First Committee continues to resonate in current debates about U.S. military intervention abroad.

Q & A

What was the America First Committee and when was it created?

The America First Committee was formed on September 4, 1940, as a response to concerns that the United States might be dragged into World War II. It advocated for non-interventionist policies.

What were the four basic principles of the America First Committee?

The committee argued that the U.S. should build an impregnable defense, that no foreign power could successfully attack a prepared America, that American democracy could only be preserved by avoiding the European war, and that 'aid short of war' would weaken national defense.

Who were some notable members of the America First Committee?

Notable members included future President Gerald Ford, future Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, powerful business leaders, and aviator Charles Lindbergh.

What events led to the formation of the America First Committee?

The committee was formed in the context of rising fears about U.S. involvement in World War II, especially after President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the U.S. Navy to provide destroyers to Britain.

How many members did the America First Committee have at its height?

At its peak, the America First Committee had more than 750,000 dues-paying members.

What was the public sentiment towards the America First Committee?

While many Americans supported the committee's desire to avoid war, there was a broader consensus that the U.S. could not remain idle as European democracies were threatened.

What ultimately happened to the America First Committee?

The America First Committee disbanded four days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, as its leaders recognized that military action was necessary.

What historical warnings influenced the America First Committee's stance?

The committee's arguments reflected longstanding American warnings about the dangers of foreign entanglements, dating back to the country's founding.

How do the debates surrounding the America First Committee relate to contemporary discussions?

The debates echo in current discussions about U.S. involvement in conflicts like those in Libya and Syria, where Americans continue to weigh the merits of intervention versus non-intervention.

What question does Jim Lindsay pose to the audience regarding U.S. intervention?

Jim Lindsay encourages the audience to consider when the United States should intervene in wars overseas.