Today we are witnessing a return to isolationism which is alarming, but not without precedent. In mid-1939, Britain had escaped total defeat at Dunkirk. During this episode, Prime Minister Winston Churchill had sought help from President Roosevelt who said that he could only supply very limited help because of US laws. I have wondered if he could have done more. Was he playing his hand, the greatest ever?

THE GARDEN HOSE STORY

After World War 1, America became passive. Its navy was allowed to be depleted to a minimum; it passed laws of neutrality. When Churchill asked for help, Roosevelt was sympathetic, but his hands were tied. Entering the drama was “the Garden Hose Story.” In mid to late 1940, FDR went on national radio saying that we need to help our good friend and neighbor. If our neighbor’s house is burning, it’s appropriate to lend him a garden hose which would be returned after the fire was out. This simple story was used to get a national consciousness for the “Lend-Lease” program which was passed in Congress a few months later. It provided that we supply munitions to be repaid later. It was the right thing to do because if Germany had won the war, all nations were at risk.

THE ATLANTIC CHARTER

In late 1940 Roosevelt met with Churchill off the coast of Newfoundland which became known as “The Atlantic Charter.” FDR had taken his son Kermit for support, family support, Later, Kermit became a general, but the day before the big meeting, Kermit asked his dad what was going to happen at the meeting. FDR replied that Churchill was going to ask him to join in the war effort. Kermit then asked if he would. “No” was the answer, “Why not?” was the next question. Since the whole world was at risk, I could not believe FDR would defer the request. Was he gambling the future of the world?

THE REST OF THE STORY

FDR said that the Germans and the Brits were at war because of economic and trade issues. The two dominated the world. It was their war. When Churchill finally asked, FDR said he would join in if Churchill would grant self-rule to all the nations of the British Empire, such as Canada, Australia, India, South Africa, Kenya, and others. Thus, after the war, all the nations of the British Empire on which the sun never set, were granted freedom. In my mind, it was the Greatest, Biggest Poker Hand Ever Played.

FAST FORWARD

As a result of our unselfish alliance during the war effort, most countries loved the USA from the 40s to the 70s. Today, most countries seem to fear us or hate us. Are we doing something wrong, are we going in the wrong direction? Can we learn something from our past?

R.J Meyer: Blogger, Author