Those Angry Days
Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America's Fight Over World War II, 1939-1941
By: Lynne Olson
About This Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND KIRKUS REVIEWS From the acclaimed author of Citizens of London comes the definitive account of the debate over American intervention in World War II—a bitter, sometimes violent clash of personalities and ideas that divided the nation and ultimately determined the fate of the free world. At the center of this controversy stood the two most famous men in America: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who championed the interventionist cause, and aviator Charles Lindbergh, who as unofficial leader and spokesman for America’s isolationists emerged as the president’s most formidable adversary. Their contest of wills personified the divisions within the country at large, and Lynne Olson makes masterly use of their dramatic personal stories to create a poignant and riveting narrative. While FDR, buffeted by political pressures on all sides, struggled to marshal public support for aid to Winston Churchill’s Britain, Lindbergh saw his heroic reputation besmirched—and his marriage thrown into turmoil—by allegations that he was a Nazi sympathizer. Spanning the years 1939 to 1941, Those Angry Days vividly re-creates the rancorous internal squabbles that gripped the United States in the period leading up to Pearl Harbor. After Germany vanquished most of Europe, America found itself torn between its traditional isolationism and the urgent need to come to the aid of Britain, the only country still battling Hitler. The conflict over intervention was, as FDR noted, “a dirty fight,” rife with chicanery and intrigue, and Those Angry Days recounts every bruising detail. In Washington, a group of high-ranking military officers, including the Air Force chief of staff, worked to sabotage FDR’s pro-British policies. Roosevelt, meanwhile, authorized FBI wiretaps of Lindbergh and other opponents of intervention. At the same time, a covert British operation, approved by the president, spied on antiwar groups, dug up dirt on congressional isolationists, and planted propaganda in U.S. newspapers. The stakes could not have been higher. The combatants were larger than life. With the immediacy of a great novel, Those Angry Days brilliantly recalls a time fraught with danger when the future of democracy and America’s role in the world hung in the balance. Praise for Those Angry Days “Powerfully [re-creates] this tenebrous era . . . Olson captures in spellbinding detail the key figures in the battle between the Roosevelt administration and the isolationist movement.”—The New York Times Book Review “Popular history at its most riveting . . . In Those Angry Days, journalist-turned-historian Lynne Olson captures [the] period in a fast-moving, highly readable narrative punctuated by high drama.”—Associated Press
AI Overview
Title and Context "Those Angry Days: Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America's Fight Over World War II, 1939-1941" is a historical non-fiction book written by Lynne Olson. The book delves into the intense political and social debates that took place in the United States during the years leading up to America's entry into World War II.
Plot Summary
The book centers around the pivotal years 1939 to 1941, when the United States was deeply divided between isolationists and interventionists. At the heart of the narrative are two prominent figures: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who championed American intervention in the war, and Charles Lindbergh, the aviator and unofficial leader of the isolationist movement.
Olson masterfully re-creates the tumultuous period, highlighting the personal and ideological conflicts that defined the era. The book explores the human stories behind the historical events, particularly focusing on Charles Lindbergh and his family, as well as the complex relationships between politicians and military leaders.
Key Themes
Isolationism vs. Interventionism: The central theme revolves around the intense debate over whether the United States should intervene in World War II. This conflict is portrayed as a deeply personal and ideological struggle, with significant implications for the future of democracy and America's role in the world.
Personalities and Ideologies: The book examines the complex personalities and ideologies of key figures, including President Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh. It highlights how their personal beliefs and actions influenced the national discourse and policy decisions.
Polarization and Intrigue: The narrative is marked by extreme polarization and intrigue, with high-ranking military officers and politicians engaging in clandestine activities to shape the country's stance on the war.
Human Stories: By focusing on the personal lives of key figures, such as Charles Lindbergh and his wife Anne, the book humanizes the historical events and underscores the emotional toll of the era on individuals and families.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its engaging narrative and comprehensive historical analysis. Reviewers have praised Olson for her ability to turn historical events into a compelling story, even for readers familiar with the period.
However, some critics have noted that the book presents a nuanced view of historical figures, often challenging traditional narratives. For example, Franklin D. Roosevelt is portrayed as less than heroic in his actions, while Charles Lindbergh is depicted as an isolationist who was often criticized for his anti-Semitic views and lack of understanding of the Nazi threat.
Overall, "Those Angry Days" is recognized as a definitive account of the pre-Pearl Harbor period, offering a detailed and engaging exploration of one of the most critical moments in American history.