America Enters World War II

This episode of The American Story, "America Enters World War II," recounts events leading up to the attack on Pear Harbor in 1941 and the lasting impact on US foreign policy concluding with the formation of the United Nations. "Never again would there be a spot on the globe where America would not be concerned. Where in small measure or large it would not have to play a part and have a voice in its decision."

As the story traces German and Japanese imperialism, US support for allied nations is described against the backdrop of an impending moral responsibility to act. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the official declaration of war is made, illustrated in a clip from FDR's message to Congress. "Within three hours the American people were bound in firm and unbreakable unity as never before."

"America Enters World War II" was written by Nathaniel Pfeffer of Columbia University and narrated by Merle Evans of the New York Historical Society.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 150132
Municipal archives id: LT6483