Victor Nuovo: FDR and the Second World War

Editor’s note: This is the 63rd in a series of essays on the history and meaning of the American political tradition. The Second World War began on Sept. 1, 1939, and lasted for six years and a day. It ended on Sept. 2, 1945, with the surrender of Japan; the German surrender happened four months earlier, on May 7, 1945, 25 days after the death of Franklin Roosevelt. Both nations surrendered unconditionally. It was a victory for Democracy. When the war began, a good outcome seemed far from certain. On Sept. … (read more)

Editor’s note: This is the 62nd in a series of essays on the history and meaning of the American political tradition. The election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945) to the presidency in 1932 marks a decisive turning point in this nation’s history. … (read more)