FDR and the U.S. Navy (Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute Series on Diplomatic and Economic History) [Hardcover]

Edward J. Marolda (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 15, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0312211570 | ISBN-13: 978-0312211578 | Edition: 1st

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had a lifelong love for the United States Navy. Inspired as a youth by the U.S. Fleet's dramatic impact on the global stage, and its use overseas by his illustrious cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin quite naturally focused his eyes on the sea. FDR and the U.S. Navy presents the work of prominent biographers and historians who analyzed Franklin D. Roosevelt's long, close, and eventful association with the United States Navy, in war and peace, from the turn of the century to the end of World War II. The contributors show how as President during the 1930s, FDR endeavored with naval leaders, not always successfully, to build a combat-capable fleet and to deter the aggressor nations of Europe and Asia. The essays argue that one of Franklin Roosevelt's greatest achievements was his direction as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Navy and the other American armed forces during World War II, when the very survival of the nation was at stake. This book is the product of a day-long conference, entitled "Franklin D. Roosevelt and the U.S. Navy," that was held on October 22, 1996 at the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation's Heritage Center on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC. It is both a powerful tribute and an important historical work on FDR.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The product of a day-long conference held in 1996 at the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Heritage Center, this book examines Roosevelt's profound impact on the modern U.S. Navy. Like his cousin Teddy, FDR served as assistant secretary of the navy. When he became president in 1933, the country was going through the Depression, and no appropriations for ships or new men had been made for quite some time. FDR sensed the advent of war, either with Germany or Japan or both, and did his best to modernize the hidebound naval forces. Many of the top admirals distrusted him; most were conservative Republicans who disliked his reforms, resented his "interference" in naval policy, and could not believe that the United States was headed for another war within ten years. Offering detailed documentation of an aspect of Roosevelt's presidency that may not be well known to some readers, this book should be in every collection of FDRiana and modern U.S. naval history.AStanley Itkin, Hillside P.L., New Hyde Park, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“The sum of the individual contributions creates a balanced picture of one aspect of FDR's crucial role in 20th Century American history, revealing some shortcomings as well as impressive strengths.” —Sea History

“This is a worthy successor to Marolda's earlier volume on FDR and naval affairs. The new book includes some provocative essays on neglected as well as better-known subjects and is sure to spark renewed interest in this field.” —Ronald Spector, Professor of History and International Relations, George Washington University

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; 1st edition (August 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312211570
• ISBN-13: 978-0312211578
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,687,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)