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WWII History for August 31

31 Aug

WWII Events Today, August 31

Audio Clip: BBC reports on children being evacuated from London (1939-09-01).

WWII History - 09.01.1939 - Evacuation of Children from London [0:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Aug 31, 1936 US Neutrality Bill, no shipping to combatant nations. “Schools, not battleships.”

Aug 31, 1938 Churchill suggests alliance with US and USSR over Sudeten.

Aug 31, 1939 The British fleet was mobilized.

Aug 31, 1939 In London, civilian evacuations began. Edward R. Murrow describes the evacuation of school kids from London. (Image Gallery)

Aug 31, 1941 Finnish army regains their border.

Aug 31, 1943 The USS Harmon, first U.S. Navy ship to be named for an African American, commissioned.

Aug 31, 1944 The British 8th Army broke through the German’s “Gothic Line.” The defensive line was drawn across northern Italy.

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Posted in Country - USA, Europe Theater, Images, Media, Podcast, Sea, Today

World War II History for April 14

14 Apr

Today in WWII History

World War II History for April 14

Audio Clip: CBS Reports on FDR’s Death Apr 13, 1945

World War II History - CBS News Reports on FDR's Death 04-13-1945 [15:15m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Apr 14, 1931 – Spanish Republic proclaimed; recognized by US and western nations. (More…)

Apr 14, 1940 – 350 British Royal Marines landed at Namsos, Norway to prepare for the arrival of the 146th Territorial Brigade. These Marines were the first British forces to land in Norway. (More…)

Apr 14, 1941 – German troops reached the Aliakmon River in Greece. (More…)

Apr 14, 1941 – Tobruk’s defenders beat back a determined assault by the German 5th Light Div on the encircled city. (More…)

Apr 14, 1941 – Yugoslavia sues for peace, seeking to negotiate a surrender with Germany. (More…)

Apr 14, 1942 – Adm Nimitz assigned to South Pacific. Sends Yorktown (CV-5, RAdm Fletcher) to Tongatabu, south of Samoa, to replenish for anticipated defense of New Guinea and Solomon Islands at the end of the month. (More…)

Apr 14, 1942 – Destroyer USS Roper sinks U-85, the 1st submarine kill by a US ship. (More…)

Apr 14, 1942 – Marshal Petain became Vichy French chief of state, and Pierre Laval became chief of government. Laval thus assumed actual direction of the Vichy administration, and the aging Petain remained to perform an essentially ceremonial function. (More…)

Apr 14, 1942 – British forces began destroying the Yenangyaung oil fields in Burma as the Japanese pressed their drive northward. (More…)

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Posted in African Theater, Asian Theater, Country - Germany, Country - USA, Europe Theater, Media, North America, Pacific Theater, Podcast, Today

National Museum of the Pacific War

17 Mar

Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the city of Fredericksburg, TX houses the newly re-opened National Museum of the Pacific War. Originally a hotel and saloon operated by the Nimitz family, it is a Texas State Historic Site as well as a National Museum and is comprised of the Admiral Nimitz Museum, the George H.W. Bush Gallery, the Pacific Combat Zone and more features and exhibits.

On December 7, 2009, the George H.W. Bush Gallery was re-opened after a multi-million dollar remodeling project. It was completely redesigned to provide an interactive experience in reliving the war in the Pacific. Comprising many current technologies, the exhibits provide not only a traditional museum experience, but is enhanced with multimedia videos and kiosks where patrons can interact and experience portions of what life was like during World War II.

Stepping into the museum exhibit path is like stepping back in time. The initial room surrounds you with a panoramic multimedia wall and presentation taking you back to the great depression and examining what happened building up to the world war, setting the tone for the rest of the museum and starting you on the path of the museum timeline. As you proceed, the exhibits immerse you in the lives and cultures not only of Americans, but from all nationalities involved in the Pacific War. The museum does an excellent job of taking an impartial stand in presenting the experience of the war, presenting all sides as the war happened, examining the struggles and strife individuals endured.

Though the museum is housed on only 33,000 sq ft, the George Bush Gallery alone consists of 36 separate sections and houses many restored full size aircraft including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, several Japanese and American fighters, an Admirals Barge, multiple tanks and other land vehicles and artillery, and one of the five Japanese Midget Submarines that were used in the attack on Pearl Harbor, all inside the museum! Adjacent to the main museum complex is the Pacific Combat Zone which is both an indoor and outdoor experience designed to show visitors what it looked like in the Pacific, highlighted by an aircraft, armored vehicles/tanks, and a PT boat exhibit.

Visiting National Museum of the Pacific War is a rich and rewarding experience that will give anyone a better appreciation for the war. For veterans, it is a chance to find peace and remember where they were when the different events happened. Seeing many of them walking through quietly reliving their own personal wars, pointing out things they recognized and events they experienced was very touching. Getting to talk with them and hear their stories helps make the museum come to life and brings home the reality that this war affected so many across the globe on an individual level. Visiting the museum is something that students, families, and veterans alike can learn from, appreciate the war’s trials, reflect on the past, and for many come to peace.

If you are interested in seeing a little more of what the museum has to offer, we have a little virtual tour, but be sure to visit in person as the photos do not do any justice to the full experience the museum provides!

More images at our National Museum of the Pacific War – Photo Gallery

Special thanks go out to the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau (888)997.3600, the Hangar Hotel and Airport Diner, the Cabernet Grill, and Geiger & Associates for making this tour possible.

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Posted in Country - Japan, Country - USA, Images, News, Other, Pacific Theater

World War II History for February 19

19 Feb

Today in WWII History

World War II History for February 19

Audio Clip: 02.18.1943 Soong Mei-Ling Appeals to Congress to Aid Chinese Nationalists

WWII History - 02.18.1943 Soong Mei-Ling Appeals to Congress to Aid Chinese Nationalists [3:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

02.19.1932 – The Sino-Japanese dispute was referred to the Assembly by the League of Nations Council.

02.19.1937 – An attempt was made in Addis Ababa to assassinate the Italian viceroy of Ethiopia, General Rodolfo Graziani. Though he was only wounded, the Italians launched large scale reprisals vowing to keep the Ethiopians in line.

02.19.1938 – The British Cabinet rejects Foreign Secretary Eden’s proposal to have Italian troops withdraw from Spain. Their hope was misplaced, believing that Italy would check any further advances by Germany (they had already occupied Austria).

02.19.1938 – Nazis were permitted to join the ruling party of Austria, the Fatherland Front.

02.19.1939 – A trade agreement was signed between the Soviet Union and Poland in an attempt to strengthen Poland as a buffer against Germany.

02.19.1940 – Ambassador Hull extends the US moral embargo to the Soviet Union.

02.19.1941 – The 8th Australian Division lands in Singapore.

02.19.1942 – Executive Order 9066 is signed by President Roosevelt, authorizing the transfer of more than 100,000 Japanese-Americans living in coastal Pacific areas to concentration camps in various inland states (and including inland areas of California). The interned Japanese-Americans lose an estimated 400 million dollars in property, as their homes and possessions are taken from them.

02.19.1942 – Japanese air raids on Darwin, Australia. Considered the “Pearl Harbor of Australia”, they largest attacks ever mounted by a foreign power against Australia. The raids were the first of almost 100 air raids against Australia during 1942-43.

02.19.1942 – Battle of Badoeng Strait begins; ABDA force attacks retiring Japanese Bali occupation force with 1 Dutch DD sunk, 2 CL and 1 DD damaged.

02.19.1942 – Mandalay came under aerial attack for the first time. Defending forces are ordered back from the Bilin River.

02.19.1942 – Japanese troops landed on the Portuguese island of Timor in the East Indies. Tokyo says the action is taken in self-defense and that its forces would withdraw when the area was secure. The neutral Portuguese accept the occupation.

02.19.1942 – Canada’s Parliament vote to begin military conscription.

02.19.1942 – The Supreme Court of Vichy France begin trials in Riom to establish responsibility for the defeat in 1940.

02.19.1943 – Allied defenses in Tunisia are restructured in the face of a deteriorating position. The Axis forces begin frontal assaults on American positions in the Kasserine Pass.

02.19.1943 – German Army Group South opens a counteroffensive toward Kharkov and Belgorod.

02.19.1944 – US forces land on Engebi Island, Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

02.19.1945 – Units of the US 8th Div begin encircling German troops trapped within the Siegfried Line.

02.19.1945 – Himmler makes his first peace overtures to Swedish Count Folke Bernadotte of the Red Cross.

02.19.1945 US troops land on Samar and Capul Islands in the Philippines.

02.19.1945 (0905 hrs) – The first of 30,000 US Marines land on Iwo Jima. /via World War II Database

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Posted in African Theater, Asian Theater, Country - Germany, Country - Japan, Country - USA, Europe Theater, Facts, Media, North America, Pacific Theater, Podcast, Today

International Conference on WWII

28 Jan

The National World War II Museum announces next International Conference on WWII
Stellar lineup of historians, authors, filmmakers, veterans and more
to explore the war that changed the world

NEW ORLEANS (January 28, 2010) – The National World War II Museum’s first International Conference on World War II in 2006 set the precedent for outstanding scholarship and public history on the most pivotal event of the modern era. The Museum continues this important initiative on March 18-20 in New Orleans as the 2010 International Conference features riveting presentations of the most comprehensive knowledge and perspectives on World War II. Among the compelling speakers are such noted historians and authors as Dr. Donald Miller, Rick Atkinson, Dr. Gerhard Weinberg, Robert Edsel, Alex Kershaw and Sir Max Hastings.

featuring
Rick Atkinson • Carlo D’Este • Robert Edsel • Max Hastings • Walter Isaacson • Donald Miller • Allan Millett • Gerhard Weinberg

covering topics such as
Art & War • D-Day • Women in War • Espionage • War Crimes Trials • The Bombing of Auschwitz

And offering a unique opportunity for our guests: “Meet the Speakers”– an evening of refreshments, book signing and
conversation with some of the best and brightest minds in the field of World War II history.

Click here for Conference Program

Register Online here

or download, print, and mail this form

“We are proud to present our third international conference on World War II,” said Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, President and CEO of The National World War II Museum, “the global conflict that changed America and the world in the middle of the last century. We are excited that these renowned speakers will be with us to illuminate the controversies and debates over battles and pivotal decisions of the war as well as new discoveries on such topics as Art and War, and new insights into the Holocaust.” The Conference will explore why the war was fought, how it was won, and what it means today.

Among the most popular sessions of the conference are sure to be panels of World War II veterans who will share their personal experiences, such as Herman “Dutch” Prager, a Submariner veteran who served on the USS Kingfish.

As a highlight of the 2010 Conference, The National World War II Museum is working with HBO to present an exclusive, behind-the-scenes program on the making of the HBO Miniseries, THE PACIFIC, featuring the creative team involved in this blockbuster premiering nationally on HBO in March.

The “dean” of World War II historians, Dr. Gerhard Weinberg, will present the opening keynote address, “Visions of Victory,” showing how eight war leaders, including Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo, planned to change our future if they had emerged victorious.

Other announced sessions include Carlo D’Este and Mark Stoler on “Churchill and FDR: Allies at War,” Donald Miller on “Terror from the Sky,” Robert Edsel and Rick Atkinson on “Art and War,” and Walter Isaacson on “Einstein and the Bomb.” Additional intriguing topics include “People of Color in a White Man’s Army,” “Should Auschwitz Have Been Bombed?,” “Women in War,” “The Silent Service,” “War Crimes Trials,” and “Aftermath: Occupations, Decolonizations and the Coming of the Cold War.”

Additional noted presenters include Mark Pachter, Dr. Conrad Crane, Dr. Guenter Bischof, Dr. Allan Millett, and Hugh Ambrose. A “Meet the Speakers” reception is planned, including round table chats with speakers, book signings, and a special screening of Beyond All Boundaries, the Museum’s new 4-D, multisensory film at the Solomon Victory Theater.

Conference tickets are now on sale and registration options include hotel and conference packages as well as one day passes to events. To register for the conference or for more information, visit www.ww2conference.com.

The National World War II Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world – why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today. Dedicated in 2000 as The National D-Day Museum and now designated by Congress as America’s National World War II Museum, it celebrates the American Spirit, the teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and the Home Front. For more information, call 877-813-3329 or 504-528-1944 or visit www.nationalww2museum.org.

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Posted in Country - USA, Images, Media, News, North America, Other

WWII Reenacting for Women

20 Dec

With an audience as large and diverse as WWarII.com, it’s pretty much a given that some of you readers are reenactors, like me. And if you’ve entered the world of reenacting even a little bit, you’ll notice the lack of a feminine touch. It’s no secret: there are few places for women in WWII reenacting, and those impressions that we can join run the gamut from “Ok, NEXT!” to “::Crickets Chirping::”. It’ not very often that a role comes along that gives us gals a chance to run with the big boys. Below are a few that have made a great strides for women out here in California.

Yes, it’s an Axis impression, but the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK), Aachen Stadt I of the California Historical Group (CHG) is not only one of the friendliest units I’ve ever met, it’s also one of the most dedicated. The amount of effort and devotion that was put forth to get this young unit rolling has been astonishing. And they’re also a lovely group of gals, as evidenced by their hot-off-the-presses 2010 Calendar. (Buy one – or two! – today!)

The 203rd Rifle Regiment, 70th Guards unit of the Red Army (CHG) is a little bit of heaven for reenactor ladies. Sure, there are some units that will allow a woman to put their hair up and join the boys’ club, but you always feel the difference. Fighting Russian, I’ve always been treated equally when it comes to mealtimes, marching, digging, or sleeping out in the cold. (Thanks, guys!)

Finally, if you’re a gal looking for a fierce impression in your area, Start One! Get in touch with a woman who’s done it already (or me), and you’ll be surprised at how much advice and encouragement you’ll get.

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Posted in Country - USA, Images, Media, North America, Other

Attack on Pearl Harbor

07 Dec

Time line Pearl Harbor

December 7, 1941

* 0342 Minesweeper CONDOR sights periscope off Honolulu Harbour …notifies patrol destroyer WARD to investigate.

* 0458 Minesweeper CROSSBILL and CONDOR enter Pearl Harbor… defective submarine net remains open.

* 0600 – 200 miles south of Oahu carrier ENTERPRISE launches 18 aircraft to scout ahead…then to land at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor…ETA 0800.

* 0610 – 220 miles north of Oahu Admiral Nagumo orders launching of 1st wave of 183 aircraft off three carriers…2 are lost during takeoff.

* 0630 Destroyer WARD again notified of submarine sighting this time by supply ship ANTARES off Pearl Harbor entrance…Navy patrol plane (PBY) dispatched to the scene.

* 0645 WARD opens fire on target hitting conning tower…as she closes in drops depth charges..air attack by PBY follows.

* 0653 WARD’S commander Captain Outerbridge sends message to Commandant 14th Naval District: “We have attacked, fired upon and dropped depth charges upon submarine operating in defensive sea area”.

* 0700 Commander Fuchida flying towards Oahu directs his pilots to home in on local radio station.

* 0702 Private’s Lockhard and Elliott of Opana Radar Station pick up what appears to be a flight of unidentified aircraft bearing in 132 miles north of Oahu…discussion follows.

* 0706 Private Elliott phones switchboard operator Joseph McDonald at Information Center, Ft. Shafter, telling of a large formation of aircraft approaching the Island.

* 0715 Capt. Outerbridge’s attack message, delayed in decoding is delivered to duty officer, 14th Naval District, and to Admiral Kimmel’s duty officer…Japanese launch 2nd wave of 168 assault aircraft…

* 0720 Joseph McDonald finding Lt. Tyler in Information Center, calls Opana and patches Lt. Tyler thru to Private Lockard who describes the large flight picked up on radar and is told, “Well don’t worry about it.” ( see Pvt.Joseph McDonald’s account under the Survivor Rememberances “An Army Private is one of the 1st to know of the coming attack)”

* 0733 Important message from Gen Marshall from Washington to Short received via RCA in Honolulu…cablegram has no indication of priority…messenger Tadao Fuchikami proceeds on normal route…

* 0735 Reconnaissance plane from cruiser CHIKUMA reports main fleet in Pearl Harbor…

* 0739 Opana Station loses aircraft on radar 20 miles off coast of Oahu due to “dead zone” caused by surrounding hills…

* 0740 1st wave sights North Shore of Oahu…deployment for attack begins…

* 0749 Commander Fuchida orders attack…all pilots to begin assault on military bases on Oahu…

* 0753 Fuchida radios code to entire Japanese Navy “TORA TORA TORA” indicating success…maximum strategic surprise…Pearl Harbor caught unaware…

* 0755 Island wide attack begins…Japanese dive bombers to strike airfields Kaneohe, Ford Island, Hickam, Bellows, Wheeler, Ewa…Aerial torpedo planes begin their run on ships in Pearl Harbor…

** ATTACK ERUPTS AT PEARL HARBOR**

Along Battleship Row, battlewagons feel the sting of the newly perfected torpedoes specifically designed for the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor At 1010 dock violent explosions rock light cruiser HELENA on her starboard side crippling both her and minelayer OGLALA moored beside her.. On the other side of Battleship row, Ford Island, target ship UTAH also feels the sting of the torpedoes…and like the battleship OKLAHOMA begins to capsize… Light cruiser RALEIGH moored ahead of the UTAH takes measures to prevent capsizing… Commander Logan Ramsey of Ford Island Command Center sends out message for all radiomen on duty to send out in plain English “AIR RAID PEARL HARBOR THIS IS NO DRILL”…2nd dispatch orders all patrol planes to seek out enemy… Simultaneously the call for General Quarters echos throughout Pearl Harbor…each ship and their personnel in turn swing into action against the attacking Japanese…one quarter of all guns respond to the enemy…

* 0800 B-17′s from the mainland reach Oahu after 14 hour flight…Aircraft from carrier ENTERPRISE arrive Ford Island…both caught between enemy and friendly fire…

* 0802 Machine guns on battleship NEVADA open fire on torpedo planes approaching her port beam…two planes hit…however one missile tears huge hole in ship’s port bow…

* 0805 Repair ship VESTAL moored outboard of battleship ARIZONA opens fire…Admiral Kimmel arrives CINCPAC headquarters..Battleship CALIFORNIA receives second torpedo “portside at frame 110″… prompt action directed by Ensign Edgar M. Fain prevents ship from capsizing…High level bombers begin their run “on both bows” of battleship row…

* 0808 KGMB radio interrupts music calling for: “All Army, Navy, and Marine personnel to report to duty”… High level bombers unleash armour piercing, delayed action bombs from altitude of 10,000 feet scoring hits on battleships…

* 0810 Forward magazines on battleship ARIZONA suddenly ignite resulting in a tremendous explosion and huge fireball sinking the battleship within nine minutes…concussion of explosion blows men off repair ship VESTAL…

* 0812 General Short advises entire Pacific Fleet and Washington, “Hostilities with Japan commenced with air raid on Pearl Harbor”

* 0815 KGMB interrupts music with 2nd call ordering all military personnel to report for duty…

* 0817 USS HELM first of several destroyers to clear Pearl Harbor spots a midget submarine struggling to enter harbor…shots fired misses target…sub frees itself from reef and submerges…

* 0825 Using a Browning Automatic Rifle Lt. Stephen Saltzman and Sgt. Lowell Klatt shot down enemy plane making strafing run on Schofield Barracks…

* 0826 Honolulu Fire Department responds to call for assistance from Hickam Field…3 firemen killed…6 wounded…

* 0830 3rd call out for military via local radio stations…

* 0835 Tanker NEOSHO half loaded with high octane aviation fuel moves clear of Battleship Row and oil tanks on Ford Island… Damage reported in city…Police warn civilians to leave streets and return to their homes…

* 0839 Seaplane tender CURTISS sights midget sub in harbor and commences to fire..Destroyer MONAGHAN heads for intruder at ramming speed…

* 0840 Submarine surfaces after sustaining damage…MONAGHAN hits sub and drops depth charges as she passes…1st explanation over local radio stations. “A sporadic air attack…rising sun sighted on wing tips”…

* 0850 Lt. Commander Shimazaki orders deployment of 2nd wave over military bases on Oahu…

* 0854 Attack run begins…54 high-level bombers hit Naval air stations, 78 dive bombers hit ships in Pearl, 36 fighters circle over harbor to maintain air control…

* 0900 Crew of the Dutch liner JAGERSFONTEIN opens up with her guns, the first Allies to join the fight…Radios throughout the island crack out urgent messages “Get off roads and stay off.. Don’t block traffic…Stay at home…This is the real McCoy”…

* 0930 Tremendous explosions rocks destroyer SHAW sending debris everywhere… bomb falls near Governor’s home…

* 1000 First wave arrives back on carriers, 190 miles north of Oahu…

* 1005 Governor Poindexter calls local papers announcing state of emergency for entire territory of Hawaii

* 1030 Mayor’s Major Disaster Council meets at city hall…Reports from local hospitals pour in listing civilian casualties…

* 1100 Commander Fuchida circles over Pearl Harbor…assesses damage then returns to carrier task force…All schools on Oahu ordered to close…

* 1115 State of emergency announced over radio by Governor Poindexter…

* 1142 As per orders by Army local stations go off the air…General short confers with Governor regarding martial law…

* 1146 First report of many false sightings of enemy troops landing on Oahu…

* 1210 American planes fly north in search for enemy with negative results…

* 1230 Honolulu police raid Japanese embassy…find them burning documents…Blackout to begin at night ordered by Army…

* 1240 Governor confers with President Roosevelt regarding martial law…both agree it necessary that the military take over the civilian government…

* 1300 Commander Fuchida lands on board carrier AKAGI…discussion follows with Admiral Nagumo and staff concerning feasibility of launching 3rd wave…

* 1330 Signal flags on carrier AKAGI orders Japanese task force to withdraw… Territorial director of civil defense orders blackout every night until further notice…

* 1458 Tadao Fuchikami delivers message from Washington…message decoded and given to General Short regarding ultimatum from Japan to be given at 1300 Washington time…”Just what significance the hour set may have we do not know, but be on the alert accordingly”…

* 1625 Governor signs Proclamation…martial law put into effect…

Time line courtesy of Tri-City Chapter 31, Pearl Harbor Survivors Association

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Posted in Country - Japan, Country - USA, Media, News, Pacific Theater, Today

Franklin D Roosevelt

03 Nov

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945)
32nd President of the United States

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on January 30, 1882 in Hyde Park, New York to James and Sara Roosevelt, both from wealthy old New York families. He grew up in a privileged home, going to boarding school and later to Harvard. After graduating from Harvard he went on to Columbia Law School (1905) until 1907 when he passed the New York Bar Exam and started work in corporate law.

On March 17, 1905, Roosevelt married Eleanor, with his 5th cousin (and Elanor’s uncle) President Theodore Roosevelt standing for her. They had 6 children, with Franklin Jr. dying before he was 1.

In 1910 FDR was elected to the New York State Senate (Democrat) where he was elected for two consecutive terms. In 1913 he resigned to become Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Woodrow Wilson. Here he founded the US Navy Reserve and developed a life long affinity for the Navy. He resigned from this post in July 1920 for a failed bid for Vice President of the United States. After the defeat he went back to private law practice.

In August 1921, Roosevelt contracted an illness, at the time believed to be polio, which resulted in his total and permanent paralysis from the waist down. He refused to be held down by this and after he became President helped to found the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (now known as the March of Dimes). His leadership in this organization is one reason he is commemorated on the dime.

One of the few photos of Roosevelt in a wheelchair

In 1928, Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York for two terms(1929-1932).

FDR’s dog, Fala, also became well-known during his time in the White House, and was called the “most photographed dog in the world.”

(This entry is a work in progress and will be routinely updated. Please feel free to send any suggestions that you feel should be added about FDR.)

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Posted in Country - USA, Facts, Media, North America

World War II History for September 1

01 Sep

Today in WWII History

World War II History for September 1

1939 - World War II began when Germany invaded Poland.

1942 - A federal judge in Sacramento, CA, upheld the wartime detention of Japanese-Americans as well as Japanese nationals.

1945 - The U.S. received official word of Japan’s formal surrender that ended World War II. In Japan, it was actually September 2nd. The war officially lasting 6 years and 1 day.

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Posted in Asian Theater, Country - Germany, Country - USA, Europe Theater, Today

Wendell Willkie Audio Clip

21 Jul

Audio Clip: 1941-07-23 Wendell Willkie Calls For End Of US Isolationism

Wendell Willkie (February 18, 1892 – October 8, 1944) was a corporate lawyer in the United States and was the Republican Party nominee for the 1940 presidential election, although he had never previously had an elected political office.

Although Willkie won more votes in the 1940 presidential election (22.3 million votes) than any previous Republican candidate, he lost the popular vote 27 million to 22 million and the Electoral College vote to Franklin D. Roosevelt by an extremely wide margin: 449 to 82, carrying ten states.