Hello and welcome back to another edition of the presidential election series. In this edition, we’ll be diving into the election of 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) looks to do the unthinkable and attempt to break one of the longest traditions in the country’s history as Election Day draws closer. Let’s get into it.
September 3rd 1939: Neutrality
“The nation will continue its policy of neutrality,” the president declared, “as long as it is within my power to ensure that peace remains unbroken in the United States.” Despite his promise of peace, Roosevelt was preparing the U.S. for a more engaged role in the growing global conflict. He cautioned that neither neutrality nor distance could secure American safety in an interconnected world: “When peace is disrupted anywhere, it endangers the peace of all nations everywhere.” Roosevelt urged Americans to evaluate global events in light of their own security and principles. “I cannot ask every American to stay neutral in their thoughts,” he said, “even those who remain neutral must not shut their minds or their consciences.”
Election of 1940: FDR’s Presidency
By the time his second term came to an end, Franklin D. Roosevelt had overseen the most significant use of government power from a domestic standpoint than any other president in history. His New Deal policies left him very popular in the eyes of many Americans. However, many in Washington were not pleased with Roosevelt. His New Deal agenda had led to increased government spending, regulation of big business, and an economy that, although improved, was still in poor shape despite FDR’s efforts. This dissatisfaction led some to turn their backs on him.
One of the biggest challenges FDR faced during his first and second terms was the Supreme Court. As noted in the election of 1936 article, the Court attempted to block much of Roosevelt’s legislation, deeming it unconstitutional. This resistance led to the creation of a Second New Deal, which also faced scrutiny from the largely conservative Supreme Court.
FDR’s ongoing struggle with the Court pushed him to consider packing the Supreme Court with justices who would support his programs. Although he appointed eight new justices, this move further divided opinion, especially among Southern Democrats who felt that the New Deal represented an overreach of federal power, encroaching on states’ rights. Despite this, FDR’s eight years in the White House were coming to an end, and it was time to pass the mantle of Commander-in-Chief to someone new… but that wasn’t what happened. As mentioned in the introduction, Roosevelt was poised to do the unthinkable. A Three-Peat.
Election of 1940: World War II
While the United States grappled with its domestic issues, a major global conflict was rapidly escalating: World War II. By 1940, the war had intensified, with German forces, under the totalitarian rule of Adolf Hitler, aggressively expanding their influence across Europe. The Nazis formed strategic alliances with Italy and Japan, creating a formidable Axis bloc. Germany’s invasion of Poland in September 1939 had ignited the conflict, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany. As the Nazis swept through Europe, conquering nations like Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and France, they posed a growing threat to the stability of the continent.
In contrast to the widespread turmoil abroad, the United States, in 1940, maintained a position of neutrality. Although President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) was sympathetic to the plight of the Allied nations and provided substantial aid to Britain and other Allies through measures like the Lend-Lease Act, which allowed the U.S. to supply military aid to countries fighting the Axis powers, America refrained from direct military involvement. This cautious stance was rooted in a strong isolationist sentiment prevalent among many Americans who were wary of entangling the nation in another foreign war, reminiscent of the isolationist policies of the interwar period.
Despite this, FDR recognized the growing danger posed by the Axis powers and the possibility of future American involvement. In his speeches and public addresses, Roosevelt attempted to navigate the delicate balance between supporting the Allies and adhering to the prevailing isolationist sentiment. In a significant speech delivered on October 5, 1939, shortly after the outbreak of war, FDR expressed his hope for peace and his commitment to supporting nations struggling against tyranny, emphasizing that “we must be the great arsenal of democracy,” implying the U.S. role in supplying arms and support while still avoiding direct combat.
As the war continued to unfold, Roosevelt’s rhetoric increasingly reflected his concern over the global situation. By mid-1940, in response to the ongoing aggression by the Axis powers and the failures of appeasement, he began advocating more vigorously for increased aid to the Allies. He assured the American public that while the U.S. would continue to support democratic nations, the decision to enter the war was ultimately a matter for the American people and their elected representatives. This strategic approach was aimed at preparing the nation for potential involvement without directly committing to combat.
Thus, while the United States provided critical support to its allies and prepared for the possibility of future involvement, it remained officially neutral in the fighting, reflecting a complex interplay of domestic sentiment and international developments as the world plunged deeper into conflict.
It was due to these growing tensions—over the possibility of entering the war and continuing New Deal policies—that FDR decided to run for a third term. Historically, Roosevelt didn’t want to break the two-term tradition established by George Washington and followed by his predecessors.
While other presidents like Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson considered or attempted to run for a third term, none came close to achieving it. However, with the possibility of U.S. involvement in the war and the belief that no other candidate could lead the country effectively through such a crisis, FDR decided to seek re-election.
News of Roosevelt’s bid for a third term shocked many, including his outspoken niece, Alice, who claimed she would vote for Hitler before endorsing FDR for a third term. Even John Nance Garner, the former Speaker of the House and FDR’s vice president in the previous two elections, disagreed with Roosevelt’s decision and decided to challenge him at the Democratic Convention.
When the Democratic Convention arrived, the other major candidates running against FDR were Garner and Roosevelt’s former Postmaster General and DNC Chairman, James Farley. Nevertheless, FDR secured the nomination for a third time and chose Secretary of Agriculture Henry A. Wallace as his running mate.
Election of 1940: Choosing the Republican Nominee
Following their embarrassing defeat in the election of 1936, the Republican Party regained some momentum in the midterm elections. Roosevelt’s court-packing plan, the problematic economy, and divisions within his own party helped the GOP gain over 70 seats in Congress.
As the time came to nominate a candidate to challenge FDR in the election of 1940, several names were considered, including former President Herbert Hoover. Despite Hoover’s determination to defeat FDR, many still blamed him and the GOP for the Great Depression, and he struggled to gain traction.
Three candidates gained the most attention heading into the convention:
- Thomas E. Dewey: The District Attorney of New York
- Robert Taft: Senator of Ohio and son of William Howard Taft
- Arthur Vandenberg: Senator of Michigan
The GOP was divided between isolationists, who opposed involvement in the war, and interventionists, who supported it. Dewey, who had gained prominence as a crime-busting prosecutor, faced criticism for his lack of foreign policy experience. Taft and Vandenberg also faced backlash for their isolationist stances.
As none of the three candidates could secure enough support, a compromise candidate was needed. That candidate was Wendell Willkie, a former lawyer turned businessman who had never held political office. Willkie had initially supported Roosevelt and his New Deal policies but opposed the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which provided cheap electrical power in rural areas and competed with private corporations.
Many Republicans were skeptical of a “Republican In Name Only” (RINO) being nominated, but Willkie’s persuasive ability and views on intervening in the war won him support, particularly from the media. Key states like Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania backed Willkie, who became the GOP nominee.
The Republican Party chose Charles McNary, Senate Minority Leader, as Willkie’s running mate. This choice was unusual since McNary had previously attempted to block Willkie’s nomination with a “Stop Willkie” campaign, but he accepted the role.
The Campaigns
In the election of 1940, FDR ran on his record and the promise of keeping the country out of war. Many Americans still leaned toward isolationism, and Roosevelt argued that now was not the time to switch leadership amid global turmoil. He also highlighted that Republicans and big business were to blame for the lingering effects of the Great Depression, which could hurt Willkie’s chances, given his business background. Critics, particularly from the South, attacked Roosevelt for breaking the two-term tradition.
Wendell Willkie went on the offensive, delivering numerous speeches and traveling extensively. He criticized Roosevelt’s decision to run for a third term and the New Deal’s effectiveness in resolving economic hardship. Willkie supported many New Deal ideas but also challenged Roosevelt on military preparedness. When it was discovered that FDR was building up the military, Willkie reversed his stance on intervention. He even proposed a radio debate, the first-ever presidential debate in American history, but FDR refused.
Despite Willkie’s vigorous campaigning, many Americans still had faith in the New Deal. Willkie faced hostility on the campaign trail, with some supporters pelting him with rotten fruit and vegetables. FDR even considered using Willkie’s past relationship with his ex-wife to his advantage, but nothing came of it.
Election of 1940: Results
As shown in the electoral map, Franklin D. Roosevelt easily won re-election, becoming the first and only president in U.S. history to be elected to a third term. FDR received 449 electoral votes and 54.7% of the popular vote, making him the only person to win three consecutive elections with a majority of the vote, despite receiving fewer popular and electoral votes than in his previous elections.
Wendell Willkie performed better than previous GOP candidates, winning 82 electoral votes from Midwestern states and Maine and Vermont. However, he received less of the popular vote than Hoover, garnering 44.8%.
And that’s the election of 1940. FDR secured a third term, and while he campaigned on the promise of keeping American troops out of the war, a major event in the following year would shift the country’s views on isolationism.
