Summary

Events that occurred in days and weeks prior to May 27th :

The possibility of conflict between Germany and the US was mounting as the US moved out of its position of isolationism by the passing of the Lend- Lease Act in March of 1941, which permitted the president to supply, with arms and funds for defense, any country whose security he felt was necessary for the extended protection of the United States. May 12: After increasing British & Iraqi tensions, Hitler sends bombers to Iraq to support Rashid Ali's revolt against Britain. By the nature of the strong British-U.S. ties these tensions only exacerbate U.S. disapproval of Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Roosevelt's Response:

Roosevelt forcefully warns against the evil conquest of Hitler, and the global effects of such a regime if his conquests continue. Invokes fearful images of a world under the rule of Hitler and his puppets. He stresses the importance of the seas in the preservation of American freedom, and urges the support of a policy to actively resist any Nazi attempt to extend control over the western Hemisphere: stating that the U.S. must actively defend the freedom of the seas. Roosevelt closes by citing documents such as the Magna Charta, the Declaration of independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Emancipation Proclamation in which ideals of freedom and liberty were attained. He quotes the words of the signers of the Declaration of Independence who placed the confidence of their protection in God.

Analysis:

Identification of the Enemy:

Roosevelt specifically identifies Hitler and the Nazis as the enemy claiming that America must be ready to step in. " Yes, even our right of worship would be threatened. The Nazi world does not recognize any God except Hitler; for the Nazis are as ruthless as the communists in the denial of God. What place has religion that preaches the dignity of the human being of the majesty of the human soul, in a world where moral standards are measured by treachery and bribery and Fifth Columnists? " It is important that this identification be legitimate and strong if the American people are to be in support of the defense spending necessary for Roosevelt's plan for American defense. Roosevelt leaves no room for noncommittal he wants all American's support in the defense of the seas.

 

May 26, 1940 | Sept 11, 1941 | Dec 9, 1941 | Feb 23, 1942

Last updated December 16, 2001