America First

Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War

By: H. W. Brands

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Bestselling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H. W. Brands narrates the fierce debate over America's role in the world in the runup to World War II through its two most important figures: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who advocated intervention, and his isolationist nemesis, aviator and popular hero Charles Lindbergh.

Hitler's invasion of Poland in September 1939 launched a momentous period of decision-making for the United States. With fascism rampant abroad, should America take responsibility for its defeat?

For popular hero Charles Lindbergh, saying no to another world war only twenty years after the first was the obvious answer. Lindbergh had become famous and adored around the world after his historic first flight over the Atlantic in 1927. In the years since, he had emerged as a vocal critic of American involvement overseas, rallying Americans against foreign war as the leading spokesman the America First Committee.

While Hitler advanced across Europe and threatened the British Isles, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt struggled to turn the tide of public opinion. With great effort, political shrewdness and outright deception—aided by secret British disinformation efforts in America—FDR readied the country for war. He pushed the US onto the world stage where it has stayed ever since.

In this gripping narrative, H.W. Brands sheds light on a crucial tipping point in American history and depicts the making of a legendary president.

©2024 H. W. Brands (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A fine account of one of the most famous opponents to America’s entrance into World War II...Another winner from Brands."—Kirkus Reviews *starred review*

"Brands’s elegant account of the political faceoff between Franklin Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh could not be more timely. This book sheds fascinating new light on Roosevelt’s battle against the tenacious efforts of the America First movement to keep the United States far away from World War II. In so doing, it provides critical historical insight into the heated debate currently building between internationalists and today’s America First isolationists."—Charles A. Kupchan, Georgetown University and Council on Foreign Relations, author of Isolationism: A History of America’s Efforts to Shield Itself from the World

"America First is a gripping historical tale of how two towering figures, Charles Lindbergh and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, debated the wisdom of America entering World War II. The narrative echoes, and should inform, today’s debate America’s role in the world, as today’s proponents of 'America First' seek to undo what FDR accomplished: Placing America at the center for the world stage."—Ivo Daalder, Chicago Council on Global Affairs and former U.S. Ambassador to NATO

Another American History Pearl from H.W. Brands

H.W. Brands writes another excellent, thorough investigation of American History. In this volume he reviews the speeches, statements, press conferences, etc. of FDR vs Charles Lindbergh concerning the possible involvement of America in a second European War. Again the author is without prejudice for one or the other of the “adversaries” and lets the reader draw his/her own conclusions about the time period involved. I always appreciate that Brands gives the readers “just the facts” and lets one draw their own conclusions about the two individuals involved. The narrator was excellent and often gave appropriate accents to the individuals quoted. A very interesting read!

Anglophilia First - Alternate Title

Another great HWB book. This is book on Anglophilia and obsessed Paleo Neocons of the 1930s. Kind of Similar to Israel-Obsession of today. How sneaky conjuring by FDR and special interest groups got the USA into a huge war. The book does not mention that FDRs cabinet was full of Moscow agents. Harry Dexter White, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, Kim Philby, and Alger Hiss would all snicker at this book's omissions. Tough time for the real hero, Charles Lindbergh.

So the stooge US President punks the American public into defending "democracy" by partnering with the worlds largest Empire (GB) and the worlds most Evil Empire (USSR) and lamenting the loss of the Slime kleptocratic Empire (France). You know France, the slimy guys pillaging in Africa as Empire. This book even details Florida backcountry politicians going all-in for FDR's war not knowing the extent of astroturf in the war narrative.

This book is cool because it shows that FDR wanted America at war all along and alliance with the GB from the start. Even smearing Americans like Lindbergh as he drove the nation into war. This book is awesome and sassy. Even jabs as FDR pretended not to know that from 1918 to 1939 there was not peace or Democracy in Europe, there was widespread Communist led insurrection, spying, sabotage, revolts, riots, uprisings, and coups. Soviets had already invaded Poland and were already carving into the Balkans.