Franklin Roosevelt (FDR) and Winston Churchill both remain among some of the most towering figures in twentieth-century history. Without them, democracy might only be a relic of history. Without them, the lingua franca of the world might be German instead of English. Rather, their friendship, forged by need and trial, led to an end to great European wars and to the blossoming of hopes of world peace. It also cemented the Anglo-American alliance as a bulwark against Soviet domination in the soon-appearing Cold War. In this book, the acclaimed American historian Jon Meacham examines their interactions for a deepened understanding of this vital relationship with an eye to the wider historical narrative, both in the near and far-reaching futures.
In 1939, Great Britain declared war on Germany because of the German invasion of Poland. It soon was embroiled in a battle for its survival with German bombs falling over London. The American public, still new to the international scene, did not want to get involved in yet another European war. However, Churchill pinned hopes for Britain’s and democracy’s survival on persuading FDR to fight with the British against the Germans. The Americans, of course, had thrice the population that represented more soldiers and more industrial power. After testing the waters in a deal of armor for land, the tragic events of Pearl Harbor bonded the two in history.
Several personal traits come out in this book. First, Churchill’s eloquence is clearly seen. Sometimes – as when dealing with Stalin – it could even get in the way of good diplomacy. Second, FDR’s emotional ebullience is likewise clear. They both respected each others’ political toolset. Third, they visited each other often, for Christmas or other conversations. FDR wanted entry into the war for a while, but could not convince the American people until the Japanese attack. Finally, they juggled adding a “third wheel” to the mix when meeting with the un-emotive Stalin. Clearly, they both misjudged long-term Soviet aspirations, to which the rest of the twentieth century testifies.
Readers can only imagine world history if Churchill were not elected as Prime Minister or if isolationist voices won out in America in the election of 1940. These men were not all-powerful, and their democracies intended them to be accountable to the people. However, imagining a British triumph in the Battle of Britain in 1939 and the following years is impossible without both Churchill and FDR. It’s a good thing for us all that they got along and gave birth to the United Nations as an imperfect tool for global stability.
Meacham, a historian and author par excellance, brings all this (and more) to light by combing through historical sources about these two. He tantalizes us readers with detail after detail about and eloquent word after word. He provides us a real treat with the main course tasting as good as the dessert. Anyone interested in diplomacy, whether among nations or even just among colleagues, should pay heed. Meacham teaches us grandly as he learnt from the two English-speaking masters of Franklin and Winston.
Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship
By Jon Meacham
Read by Grover Gardner
Copyright (c) 2004
Random House Audio
ASIN B0000X8HWU
13 hours and 32 minutes
Genre: American Presidential History
www.amazon.com