Document 1: Charles Lindbergh | Des Moines Speech | September 11, 1941
It is now two years since this latest European war began. From that day, until now, there has been an
increasing effort to force the United States into the conflict.
When this war started in Europe, it was clear that the American people were solidly opposed to
entering it. Why shouldn't we be? We have problems of our own here at home - the economy, the
poverty, the unemployment rates...
It is obvious and perfectly understandable that Great Britain wants the United States in the war on
her side. England is now in a desperate position. Her population is not large enough and her armies
are not strong enough to invade the continent of Europe and win the war she declared against
Germany If England can draw the United States into the war, she can shift to our shoulders a
large portion of the responsibility for waging it and for paying its cost ...costs we can't afford, and a
responsibility that shouldn't and isn't ours, for we are not responsible for Europe's squabbles.....
We are on the verge of war, but it is not yet too late to stay out, and we must. It is not too late to show
that no amount of money, or propaganda, or patronage can force a free and independent people into
war against its will. It is not yet too late to retrieve and to maintain the independent American destiny
that our forefathers established in this new world. ...
1. Was Charles Lindbergh advocating for neutrality or involvement? Provide one reason that
Lindbergh gives to support his position.
DELL