Hello and welcome back to another edition of the presidential election series! Today, we’re diving into the election of 1944, the first presidential election since 1916 held against the backdrop of a major global conflict. Franklin D. Roosevelt is once again aiming to make history. It’s World War II.
Election of 1944 – United States Enters World War II
As you may recall from the previous article on the election of 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt won an unprecedented third term as President of the United States. During his 1940 campaign, Roosevelt had promised not to involve the country in World War II. However, the events of December 7, 1941, dramatically altered this stance.
On that fateful day, the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The assault resulted in approximately 2,400 American deaths, thousands of injuries, and the destruction of numerous naval ships. This shocking event led President Roosevelt to take decisive actions that would reshape both his presidency and American history.
One significant action was the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942. This order mandated the internment of all Americans of Japanese descent in relocation centers, driven by fears of espionage and sabotage. The internment camps housed hundreds of Japanese Americans for several years, and the camps were not fully dismantled until January 2, 1945. Many Japanese Americans faced profound hardships as their belongings were seized or destroyed, and compensation for their losses was inadequate. This internment remains a dark chapter in American history and a controversial aspect of Roosevelt’s legacy, despite the support it garnered at the time.
On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress following the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. He declared December 7th as “a date which will live in infamy,” highlighting the unprovoked assault by Japan that resulted in significant American casualties and damage. Roosevelt called for a declaration of war against Japan, emphasizing that the attack was an affront to peace and democracy. His speech led to Congress’s overwhelming approval, marking the United States’ entry into World War II. He urged Congress to declare war on Japan, which they did with overwhelming support. Subsequently, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States, solidifying America’s role in World War II. In response, Roosevelt decided to run for an unprecedented fourth term, arguing that leadership continuity was crucial during the ongoing global conflict. Many agreed with his reasoning, believing it unwise to change leaders in the midst of the war.
Election of 1944: President’s Health and Vice President Wallace
One significant issue facing Roosevelt in the election of 1944 was his health. At 62 years old, he was grappling with the immense physical and emotional toll of leading a nation during wartime and the Great Depression. Despite this, Roosevelt mounted a vigorous campaign, delivering speeches and engaging with the public to counter rumors about his health.
In addition to health concerns, Roosevelt faced challenges from within his own party. Southern Democrats, discontent with the New Deal’s expansive federal influence, were particularly opposed to Vice President Henry A. Wallace. Wallace, a strong advocate for civil rights and labor unions, was viewed with suspicion by many Southern politicians.
Despite a Gallup poll indicating that 65% of Democrats supported Wallace, the Democratic National Convention saw a contentious battle over the vice-presidential nomination. Several names were proposed, including William O. Douglas, Alben Barkley, John Bankhead II, and Sam Rayburn. However, as the convention progressed, Harry S. Truman, the Senator from Missouri and chairman of the Senate Committee investigating wartime fraud and waste, emerged as a consensus choice. Truman, despite his reluctance, was ultimately selected to replace Wallace on the ticket.
Election of 1944: Choosing the GOP Nominee
The Republican Party saw several candidates vying for the nomination, including:
- Thomas Dewey: Governor of New York
- Wendell Willkie: Businessman and the 1940 GOP nominee
- Harold Stassen: Former Governor of Minnesota and naval officer
- John Bricker: Governor of Ohio
- Everett Dirksen: U.S. Representative from Illinois
- Earl Warren: Governor of California
General Douglas MacArthur, a prominent figure leading Allied forces in the Pacific theater, was also considered. However, due to his military commitments, he did not actively campaign. Wendell Willkie, despite initial support, dropped out after a poor performance in the Wisconsin primary and refused to endorse Dewey. With Willkie and MacArthur out of the race, Dewey emerged as the GOP’s nominee.
Dewey initially considered Earl Warren as his running mate but ultimately chose John Bricker to satisfy conservative Republicans.
The Campaigns
Governor Dewey’s campaign focused on reducing government size and regulations as the war neared its end. Dewey criticized the Democrats for alleged corruption and communist ties and questioned Roosevelt’s ability to serve another term due to his age.
The GOP attacks on the New Deal included unfounded claims that Vice President Truman had been a member of the KKK in the 1920s, a strategy that hurt Dewey’s chances in Southern states.
In response, Roosevelt emphasized his wartime leadership and successes, highlighting the Allied victories in places like France and the Philippines. He argued that the country was making significant progress and that now was not the time for inexperienced leadership. Roosevelt famously addressed a bizarre claim that he had used taxpayer dollars to rescue his dog, Fala, from the Aleutian Islands. In a memorable speech, he rebutted the accusations and humorously defended Fala, saying:
“These Republican leaders have not been content with attacks on me or my family…no, not content with that…they now include my little dog, Fala. Well, of course I don’t resent attacks…but Fala does resent attacks!”
Election of 1944 Results and Aftermath
Franklin D. Roosevelt won re-election easily, becoming the first and only president in U.S. history to be elected for a fourth term. He secured 432 electoral votes and 53.4% of the popular vote, which was his lowest performance across his four presidential elections. Governor Thomas Dewey garnered 99 electoral votes and 45.9% of the popular vote, the highest any GOP candidate had achieved against Roosevelt.
Tragically, Roosevelt passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945, just months into his fourth term. Harry S. Truman, the new vice president, assumed the presidency. In the wake of Roosevelt’s unprecedented tenure, the 22nd Amendment was passed, limiting future presidents to two terms and cementing FDR’s record.
In closing, the election of 1944 solidified Roosevelt’s place in history as the longest-serving U.S. president, while also marking the beginning of Harry Truman’s presidency amid a world still embroiled in conflict. The political landscape would continue to evolve as Truman navigated the final stages of World War II and the post-war world.