Lynne Olson, acclaimed historian and author of Those Angry Days: Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America’s Fight Over World War II, 1939–1941, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss the history of the Lend-Lease Act of 1941 and the domestic political struggles that shaped the United States’ entry into the Second World War.

To mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. declaration of independence, CFR is dedicating a year-long series of articles, videos, podcasts, events, and special projects that will reflect on two and a half centuries of U.S. foreign policy. Featuring bipartisan voices and expert contributors, the series explores the evolution of America’s role in the world and the strategic challenges that lie ahead.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Winston Churchill, "Letter to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt," December 8, 1940

Council on Foreign Relations, The 10 Best and 10 Worst Decisions in U.S. Foreign Policy

Charles Lindbergh Testimony to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, January 23, 1941

Lynne Olson, Those Angry Days: Roosevelt, Lindbergh, and America’s Fight Over World War II, 1939-1941

Wendel Wilkie Testimony to the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, February 10, 1941

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/america-250-the-lend-lease-act

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or our guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

America at 250: The Lend-Lease Act, With Lynne Olson