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{{wikisource|Roosevelt's Fireside Chat, 29 December 1940}} {{wikisource|Roosevelt's Fireside Chat, 29 December 1940}}
] giving an address.]] ] giving an address.]]
The "'''Arsenal of Democracy'''" (broadcast ] ]) is one of the most famous of 30 "]" given on the radio by ] ]. The "'''Arsenal of Democracy'''" is one of the most famous of 30 "]" broadcast on the ] by ] ] on ], ].


The talk was a disguised call to arms of the U.S. population as well as the obvious topic, "a call to arm and support" both ] and to a lesser extent ]'s ] in their respective struggles against the ]s. At the time it was ] the ] were busily waging successful war on less capable ]s as the last days of the ] era came to a close, and that scaring experience still preoccupied the ] despite ''Foreign News''. The ] was a disguised ] of the U.S. population as well as the obvious topic, "a call to arm and support" both ] and to a lesser extent ]'s ] in their respective struggles against the ]s. At the time it was broadcast the ] were busily waging successful war on less capable ]s as the last days of the ] era came to a close, and that scaring experience still preoccupied the ] despite ''Foreign News''.


In terms of ], the speech is frequently seen as the "next step" in a several stage process in awakening a somnolent, inward-looking country that had been ] and self-absorbed ] for the preceding two decades'. While the ] seemed strong and was widely percieved to guarantee the ] safe from Axis agressions– the ] numbered barely two hundred and fifty thousand ]s and ] men as the ] came to a close – the ''foreign wars'' off in ], ], and ] (]) seemed of little importance to the average American still reeling from the horrors of the depression. In terms of ], the speech is frequently seen as the "next step" in a several stage process in awakening a somnolent, inward-looking country that had been ] and self-absorbed ] for the preceding two decades. While the ] seemed strong and was widely percieved to guarantee the ] safe from Axis aggressions– the ] numbered barely two hundred and fifty thousand ]s and ] men as the ] came to a close – the ''foreign wars'' off in ], ], and ] (]) seemed of little importance to the average American still reeling from the horrors of the depression.


This was one of several speeches and measures given by Roosevelt to awaken and mobilize America to the very real dangers of being too inward focused. This was one of several speeches and measures given by Roosevelt to awaken and mobilize America to the very real dangers of being too inward focused.


==Time line of key international events preceding== ==Time line of key preceding international events==
This timeline presents the key saliant news experienced by those who later heard the call to arms of this speech by ]. The shear speed of the events and the large number of them is necessary to properly appreciate the climate of the times, and the historiocity of the speech to a generally dis-engaged, pascifist, and isolationist leaning nation that was galvanized by it's occurence into the performances in ] and ] that unquestionably reshaped the world events thereafter. This timeline presents the key saliant news experienced by those who later heard the call to arms of this speech by ]. The shear speed of the events and the large number of them is necessary to properly appreciate the climate of the times, and the historiocity of the speech to a generally dis-engaged, ], and isolationist leaning nation that was galvanized by it's occurence into the performances in ] and ] that unquestionably reshaped the world events thereafter.


===1938 events === ===1938 events===
* ] — ] creates the ] (High Command of the Armed Forces), giving him direct control of the German military. *] — ] creates the ] (High Command of the Armed Forces), giving him direct control of the German military.
* ] — ] takes dictatorial powers *] — ] takes dictatorial powers
* ] — Chancellor ] of ] meets ] at ] and, under threat of invasion, is forced to yield to German demands for greater ] participation in the Austrian government. *] — Chancellor ] of ] meets ] at ] and, under threat of invasion, is forced to yield to German demands for greater ] participation in the Austrian government.
* ] ] — Sudeten German leader ] offered the ''Sudeten-German Party'' (SdP) as the agent for Hitler's campaign to annex 'more-German' parts of ] during a meeting with ] in ], and was instructed to raise demands unacceptable to the Czechoslovak government lead by president ]. *] ] — Sudeten German leader ] offered the ''Sudeten-German Party'' (SdP) as the agent for Hitler's campaign to annex 'more-German' parts of ] during a meeting with ] in ], and was instructed to raise demands unacceptable to the Czechoslovak government lead by president ].
* ] — the ] recognizes ]'s government in ] *] — the ] recognizes ]'s government in ]
* ] — bombing of ], ], in the ], with 313 dead. *] — bombing of ], ], in the ], with 313 dead.
* ]–] — ] (better known as Gypsies) in ] and ] are rounded up, beaten up and jailed. Similar ] arrests are also made in the ] over a long period. *]–] — ] (better known as Gypsies) in ] and ] are rounded up, beaten up and jailed. Similar ] arrests are also made in the ] over a long period.
* ] — the ] is signed into law, forming the ] in the ]. This lead to a rapid expansion of numbers of US ]s and better organized airports— both would be of great aid in the war to come. *] — the ] is signed into law, forming the ] in the ]. This lead to a rapid expansion of numbers of US ]s and better organized airports— both would be of great aid in the war to come.
* July — building began of the ] ]. *July — building began of the ] ].
* General key event in September to October — Hitler's plans to gather the German race bear fruit in Czechoslovakia creating a ]wide crisis over German demands for annexation of ], a provincial border region of newly formed ]. *General key event in September to October — Hitler's plans to gather the German race bear fruit in Czechoslovakia creating a ]wide crisis over German demands for annexation of ], a provincial border region of newly formed ].
* ] *]
**] declared in ] **] declared in ]
** Italian mathematician ] disappears. **Italian mathematician ] disappears.
* September *September
** construction begun on the ] ] near ]. **construction begun on the ] ] near ].
**] is named as ]'s "Man of the Year" (as most influential during the course of the year, not as best man of the year). **] is named as ]'s "Man of the Year" (as most influential during the course of the year, not as best man of the year).
* ] &mdash; ] of German, Italian, British, and French leaders agree to German demands regarding annexation of ], Churchill scorns the action calling it shameful <!--- Check Need better cite than memory user: fabartus ---> to avoid war with Germany. *] &mdash; ] of German, Italian, British, and French leaders agree to German demands regarding annexation of ], Churchill scorns the action calling it shameful <!--- Check Need better cite than memory user: fabartus ---> to avoid war with Germany.
* ] &mdash; German troops march into ], invading ]. *] &mdash; German troops march into ], invading ].
* ] &mdash; ], president of ], resigns leaving the burgeoning Nazi empire with another coup. *] &mdash; ], president of ], resigns leaving the burgeoning Nazi empire with another coup.
* ] &mdash; ]'s puppet government begins in Czechoslovakia establishing the ] and for a time ending ]. See Main article: ]. *] &mdash; ]'s puppet government begins in Czechoslovakia establishing the ] and for a time ending ]. See Main article: ].
* ] &mdash; event seen in retrospect as the end the ]: In an effort to try restore investor confidence, the ] unveils a fifteen-point program aimed to upgrade protection for the investing public. *] &mdash; event seen in retrospect as the end the ]: In an effort to try restore investor confidence, the ] unveils a fifteen-point program aimed to upgrade protection for the investing public.
* ] &mdash; in ], ]&ndash; the "night of broken glass" &ndash; begins as ] troops and sympathizers loot and burn ]ish businesses (the all-night affair saw 7,500 Jewish businesses destroyed, 267 ]s burned, 91 Jews killed, and at least 25,000 Jewish men arrested). *] &mdash; in ], ]&ndash; the "night of broken glass" &ndash; begins as ] troops and sympathizers loot and burn ]ish businesses (the all-night affair saw 7,500 Jewish businesses destroyed, 267 ]s burned, 91 Jews killed, and at least 25,000 Jewish men arrested).
* ] &mdash; ] members elect ] as the first president of the ], the ] of the influential evolutionary ]. *] &mdash; ] members elect ] as the first president of the ], the ] of the influential evolutionary ].
* ] &mdash; the Czech parliament elects ] as the new president of Czechoslovakia. *] &mdash; the Czech parliament elects ] as the new president of Czechoslovakia.


===1939 events=== ===1939 events===


Ongoing events: Ongoing events:
* ] (1936&ndash;1939) *] (1936&ndash;1939)
* ] (]&ndash;]) *] (]&ndash;])
* ] in the ] (started 1936) *] in the ] (started 1936)


* ] &mdash; ]: troops loyal to ] and aided by ] take ]. *] &mdash; ]: troops loyal to ] and aided by ] take ].


* ] &mdash; ] joins ] against the communists. *] &mdash; ] joins ] against the communists.


* ] &mdash; troops of the ], an authoritarian political party, take ] helping Franco to a position of control in most of ]. *] &mdash; troops of the ], an authoritarian political party, take ] helping Franco to a position of control in most of ].
* ] &mdash; ] and ] recognize Franco's government. *] &mdash; ] and ] recognize Franco's government.


* ] &mdash; ] becomes ] *] &mdash; ] becomes ]


* ] &mdash; ] provincial assembly proclaims independence - Monsignor ] becomes the president of independent Slovak government, a Nazi puppet state. *] &mdash; ] provincial assembly proclaims independence - Monsignor ] becomes the president of independent Slovak government, a Nazi puppet state.


* ] &mdash; German troops occupy the remaining part of ] and ]; ] ceases to exist; beginning hostilities leading to ] *] &mdash; German troops occupy the remaining part of ] and ]; ] ceases to exist; beginning hostilities leading to ]


* ] &mdash; Germany takes port of ] from ]. *] &mdash; Germany takes port of ] from ].


* ] &mdash; Franco conquers ], ending the Spanish Civil War, and marking another victory in the ascendancy of authoritarian regimes. *] &mdash; Franco conquers ], ending the Spanish Civil War, and marking another victory in the ascendancy of authoritarian regimes.


* ] in the ] (started 1936) *March &mdash; end of the ] in the ] (started 1936)


* ] &mdash; ] Italy invades ] on the Adriatic coast of the Balkans; ] flees. *] &mdash; ] Italy invades ] on the Adriatic coast of the Balkans; ] flees.


* ] &mdash; ] leaves the ]. *] &mdash; ] leaves the ].


* ] &mdash; Spain leaves the League of Nations. *] &mdash; Spain leaves the League of Nations.


* ] &mdash; Germany and Italy sign the ]. *] &mdash; Germany and Italy sign the ].


* ] &mdash; ] annexes ] (Syria) *] &mdash; ] annexes ] (Syria)


]]] ]]]


* ] &mdash; he ] at ], a forced slave-labor enterprise devoted to producing bricks, becomes autonomous from the ]. *] &mdash; he ] at ], a forced slave-labor enterprise devoted to producing bricks, becomes autonomous from the ].


* ] &mdash; the last remaining Jewish enterprises in Germany are closed. *] &mdash; the last remaining Jewish enterprises in Germany are closed.


* ] &mdash; ] writes to President Roosevelt about developing the ] using ]. This led to the creation of the ]. *] &mdash; ] writes to President Roosevelt about developing the ] using ]. This led to the creation of the ].


* ] &mdash; the ] planning occurs, wherein Hitler and Stalin divide eastern Europe between themselves in a summit meeting. ], the ] and eastern ] to the ]. Western Poland to Germany (See the: ]) *] &mdash; the ] planning occurs, wherein Hitler and Stalin divide eastern Europe between themselves in a summit meeting. ], the ] and eastern ] to the ]. Western Poland to Germany (See the: ])


* ] &mdash; an ] bomb explodes in the centre of ], ], killing five people. *] &mdash; an ] bomb explodes in the centre of ], ], killing five people.


* ] &mdash; Poland begins ] after finally heeding intellegence of the massing of troops on the German border. *] &mdash; Poland begins ] after finally heeding intellegence of the massing of troops on the German border.


* ] &mdash; World War II begins, with the ]; Nazi Germany attacks Poland, unveiling for the first time the ] techniques of "lightning war" &mdash; the '']''. This was the beginning the war which would spread to include all quadrants of the planet. *] &mdash; World War II begins, with the ]; Nazi Germany attacks Poland, unveiling for the first time the ] techniques of "lightning war" &mdash; the '']''. This was the beginning the war which would spread to include all quadrants of the planet.


* ] &mdash; following the invasion of Poland, ] (now ], Poland) is annexed to Germany. *] &mdash; following the invasion of Poland, ] (now ], Poland) is annexed to Germany.


* ] &mdash; France, the United Kingdom, and Australia declare war on Germany. *] &mdash; France, the United Kingdom, and Australia declare war on Germany.


* ] &mdash; Roosevelt's fireside chat "On the European War". *] &mdash; Roosevelt's fireside chat "On the European War".


* ] &mdash; the United States declares its neutrality in the war. *] &mdash; the United States declares its neutrality in the war.


* ] &mdash; ], one of the ], declares war on Germany. *] &mdash; ], one of the ], declares war on Germany.


* ] &mdash; ], one of the Commonwealth realms, declares war on Germany. *] &mdash; ], one of the Commonwealth realms, declares war on Germany.


* ] &mdash; cease-fire ending the undeclared ] between the ] (and its ]n allies) and ]. *] &mdash; cease-fire ending the undeclared ] between the ] (and its ]n allies) and ].


* ] &mdash; the Soviet Union invades Poland, and occupies eastern Polish territories. *] &mdash; the Soviet Union invades Poland, and occupies eastern Polish territories.


* ] &mdash; ] surrenders to Germany; ] surrenders a day later; the last Polish large operational unit surrenders near ] eight days later. *] &mdash; ] surrenders to Germany; ] surrenders a day later; the last Polish large operational unit surrenders near ] eight days later.


* ] &mdash; Germany annexes Western Poland. *] &mdash; Germany annexes Western Poland.


* ] &mdash; U.S. President Roosevelt is presented with a letter signed by Albert Einstein urging the United States to develop the atomic bomb quickly. *] &mdash; U.S. President Roosevelt is presented with a letter signed by Albert Einstein urging the United States to develop the atomic bomb quickly.


* ] &mdash; Roosevelt orders the ] to implement the ], allowing cash-and-carry purchases of ]s by belligerents. *] &mdash; Roosevelt orders the ] to implement the ], allowing cash-and-carry purchases of ]s by belligerents.


* ] &mdash; ], the codename for a German action against scientists from the ] and other ] universities at the beginning of ]. *] &mdash; ], the codename for a German action against scientists from the ] and other ] universities at the beginning of ].


* ] &mdash; in ], Hitler narrowly escapes an assassination attempt while celebrating the sixteenth anniversary of the ]. *] &mdash; in ], Hitler narrowly escapes an assassination attempt while celebrating the sixteenth anniversary of the ].


* ] &mdash; the ] begins: Soviet forces attack Finland and reach the ], starting the war. *] &mdash; the ] begins: Soviet forces attack Finland and reach the ], starting the war.


* ] &mdash; the League of Nations expels the USSR because of its attack on Finland. *] &mdash; the League of Nations expels the USSR because of its attack on Finland.


===1940 events=== ===1940 events===
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===1940 ongoing events=== ===1940 ongoing events===
* ] (]-]) *] (]-])
*] (] - ]). *] (] - ]).



* ] - ]: ] - ] assumes control of all war industries in ]. *] - ]: ] - ] assumes control of all war industries in ].


* ] - ]: ] - General ] takes command of all Russian forces. *] - ]: ] - General ] takes command of all Russian forces.


* ] - ]: ] - Russian 44th Assault Division destroyed by Finnish forces in ]. *] - ]: ] - Russian 44th Assault Division destroyed by Finnish forces in ].
* ] - ] - Parliament dissolved and election called for ]. *] - ] - Parliament dissolved and election called for ].


* ] - ]: ] - Russian forces launch major assault on Finnish troops on the ]. *] - ]: ] - Russian forces launch major assault on Finnish troops on the ].


* ] - ] - ] destroyer ''Cossack'' pursues ] freighter ''Altmark'' into ] in southwestern ], resulting in freedom for 290 ] sailors and seamen held as prisoners. *] - ] - ] destroyer ''Cossack'' pursues ] freighter ''Altmark'' into ] in southwestern ], resulting in freedom for 290 ] sailors and seamen held as prisoners.


* ] - In Sweden, a ] destroys the office of '']'' newspaper of ] ] - 5 dead *] - In Sweden, a ] destroys the office of '']'' newspaper of ] ] - 5 dead


* ]- Members of Soviet politburo: ], ], ], ], ] and ], signed an order, prepared by Beria, for the execution of 25,700 Polish intelligentsia, including 14,700 Polish POWs. The action is known as the ]. *]- Members of Soviet politburo: ], ], ], ], ] and ], signed an order, prepared by Beria, for the execution of 25,700 Polish intelligentsia, including 14,700 Polish POWs. The action is known as the ].


* ] - ] and ] sign a peace treaty in ] ending the ]. Finns, and world opinion, shocked by the harsh terms. *] - ] and ] sign a peace treaty in ] ending the ]. Finns, and world opinion, shocked by the harsh terms.


* ] - ]: ] - ] and ] meet at ] in the ] and agree to form an alliance against ] and the ]. *] - ]: ] - ] and ] meet at ] in the ] and agree to form an alliance against ] and the ].


* ] ] resigns as prime minister of France. He is replaced by ]. *] ] resigns as prime minister of France. He is replaced by ].


* ] - fireside chat on National Defense *] - fireside chat on National Defense
* ] - Prime minister of ], ], shoots himself - initial official explanation is "]" *] - Prime minister of ], ], shoots himself - initial official explanation is "]"


* ] - ] becomes the first ] to be depicted on a ] ]. *] - ] becomes the first ] to be depicted on a ] ].


* ] - ]: ] invades ] and ] in operation ''].'' The ] is simultaneously commenced. *] - ]: ] invades ] and ] in operation ''].'' The ] is simultaneously commenced.


* ] - The ] were occupied by British troops following the invasion of ] by ]. This action was taken to avert a possible German occupation of the islands, which would have had very grave consequences for the course of the ]. *] - The ] were occupied by British troops following the invasion of ] by ]. This action was taken to avert a possible German occupation of the islands, which would have had very grave consequences for the course of the ].


* ] - Opening day at Jamaica Racetrack features the use of pari-mutuel betting equipment, a departure from bookmaking heretofore used exclusively throughout New York state. Other NY tracks follow suit later in 1940. *] - Opening day at Jamaica Racetrack features the use of pari-mutuel betting equipment, a departure from bookmaking heretofore used exclusively throughout New York state. Other NY tracks follow suit later in 1940.


* ] - ] with the ] &mdash; ] forces invaded ] and ] proving the superior operational docterine of ] in its first real test against an enemy that was both numerically superior and better equipped. The rapid advance of the German forces leaves the allied forces reeling in disarray and within days, the government falls in the ]. *] - ] with the ] &mdash; ] forces invaded ] and ] proving the superior operational docterine of ] in its first real test against an enemy that was both numerically superior and better equipped. The rapid advance of the German forces leaves the allied forces reeling in disarray and within days, the government falls in the ].


* May 10 - ]: ] invaded by the ] to protect it from Nazi occupation. Also, with the resignation of ], ] becomes ]. *May 10 - ]: ] invaded by the ] to protect it from Nazi occupation. Also, with the resignation of ], ] becomes ].


* ] - ], in his first address as Prime Minister, tells the ], "I have nothing to offer you but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." *] - ], in his first address as Prime Minister, tells the ], "I have nothing to offer you but blood, toil, tears, and sweat."


* ] - ]: German armies open 60-mile wide breach in ] at ]. *] - ]: German armies open 60-mile wide breach in ] at ].


* ] - ] of the ] and her government flee to ]; ] subjected to savage terror bombing by the ] - 980 killed, 20,000 buildings destroyed. *] - ] of the ] and her government flee to ]; ] subjected to savage terror bombing by the ] - 980 killed, 20,000 buildings destroyed.


* ] - ]: Recruitment begins in ] for a home defense force (]) - the ], later known as the ], a non-traditional approach from the time of ]. *] - ]: Recruitment begins in ] for a home defense force (]) - the ], later known as the ], a non-traditional approach from the time of ].


* ] - ]: ] surrenders. *] - ]: ] surrenders.


* ] - U.S. President ], addressing a joint session of ], asks for an extraordinary credit of approximately $900 million to finance construction of at least 50,000 airplanes per year. *] - U.S. President ], addressing a joint session of ], asks for an extraordinary credit of approximately $900 million to finance construction of at least 50,000 airplanes per year.


* ] - Marshal ] named vice-premier of ]. *] - Marshal ] named vice-premier of ].


* ] - General ] replaces ] as commander-in-chief of all ] forces. *] - General ] replaces ] as commander-in-chief of all ] forces.


* ] - ]: ] forces, under General ], reach the ]. ]: concentration and death camp, ] opens in ]. *] - ]: ] forces, under General ], reach the ]. ]: concentration and death camp, ] opens in ].
* ] - ] - British Parliament passes Emergency Powers Act giving the government full control over all persons and property. *] - ] - British Parliament passes Emergency Powers Act giving the government full control over all persons and property.
* ] - ]: ] of ] starts. *] - ]: ] of ] starts.
* ] - ]: ] surrenders. *] - ]: ] surrenders.
* ] - ] warns the ] to, "...prepare itself for hard and heavy tidings." *] - ] warns the ] to, "...prepare itself for hard and heavy tidings."


* ] - ]: ] ends - ] forces complete evacuating 300,000 troops from ] in ]. *] - ]: ] ends - ] forces complete evacuating 300,000 troops from ] in ].


In ], heavy fighting took place around Dunkirk during the German invasion in ], but a lull in the action unexpectedly allowed a large number of French and British soldiers to escape to England. 338,226 men were evacuated amidst constant bombing (the ''miracle of Dunkirk'', as ] called it). The British evacuation of Dunkirk through the English Canal was codenamed ]. During the war, Dunkirk was largely destroyed by bombing. In ], heavy fighting took place around Dunkirk during the German invasion in ], but a lull in the action unexpectedly allowed a large number of French and British soldiers to escape to England. 338,226 men were evacuated amidst constant bombing (the ''miracle of Dunkirk'', as ] called it). The British evacuation of Dunkirk through the English Canal was codenamed ]. During the war, Dunkirk was largely destroyed by bombing.
] far to the north where the forces were surrounded, as opposed to the later and more relaxed ] area of operation June 17-24th.]] ] far to the north where the forces were surrounded, as opposed to the later and more relaxed ] area of operation June 17-24th.]]


* ] - World War II: The ] are created. *] - World War II: The ] are created.
* ] - World War II: ] declares ] on ] and the ]. *] - World War II: ] declares ] on ] and the ].
* June 10 - World War II: U.S. President ] denounces Italy's actions with speech from the graduation ceremonies of the ]. *June 10 - World War II: U.S. President ] denounces Italy's actions with speech from the graduation ceremonies of the ].
* June 10 - World War II: ] declares war on ]. *June 10 - World War II: ] declares war on ].
* June 10 - World War II: ] surrenders to ] forces. *June 10 - World War II: ] surrenders to ] forces.
* ] - ]: French government flees to ]. *] - ]: French government flees to ].
* ] - World War II: 13,000 ] and ] troops surrender to ] ] at ]. *] - World War II: 13,000 ] and ] troops surrender to ] ] at ].
* ] - ]: ] is declared an ]. *] - ]: ] is declared an ].
* ] - ]: French government flees to ]. *] - ]: French government flees to ].
* ] - World War II: ] falls under ] occupation. *] - World War II: ] falls under ] occupation.


* June 14 - World War II: U.S. President ] signs the ] into law which aims to increase the ]'s tonnage by 11 %. *June 14 - World War II: U.S. President ] signs the ] into law which aims to increase the ]'s tonnage by 11 %.


* June 14 - ]: A group of 728 ] political prisoners from ] become the first residents of the ]. *June 14 - ]: A group of 728 ] political prisoners from ] become the first residents of the ].


* ] - ]: ] falls to ] forces. *] - ]: ] falls to ] forces.


* ] - ] becomes ] of ] and immediately asks ] for peace terms. *] - ] becomes ] of ] and immediately asks ] for peace terms.


* ] - The three ]s of ], ] and ] fall under the occupation of the ]. *] - The three ]s of ], ] and ] fall under the occupation of the ].


].]] ].]]
* ]&mdash;] - ]: ] evacuates the balance of ] troops from tottering ], following ]'s takeover of ] and most of the nation. * ]&mdash;] - ]: ] evacuates the balance of ] troops from tottering ], following ]'s takeover of ] and most of the nation.


* June 17 - ]: ] ] bomber sinks British ship '']'', that was evacuating troops from near ], ]. Death toll is over 2500. Wartime censorship prevents the story going public. *June 17 - ]: ] ] bomber sinks British ship '']'', that was evacuating troops from near ], ]. Death toll is over 2500. Wartime censorship prevents the story going public.


* ] - ] speaks to the ]: "...the ] is over. The ] is about to begin." *] - ] speaks to the ]: "...the ] is over. The ] is about to begin."


* ] - General ] broadcasts from ], calling on all French people to continue the fight against ] ]: "France has lost a battle. But France has not lost the war." *] - General ] broadcasts from ], calling on all French people to continue the fight against ] ]: "France has lost a battle. But France has not lost the war."


* ] - ]: ] and ] sign armistice at ] in the same wagon-lit railroad car used by Marshal ] to accept the surrender of ] in ]. *] - ]: ] and ] sign armistice at ] in the same wagon-lit railroad car used by Marshal ] to accept the surrender of ] in ].


* ] - World War II: ] leader ] surveys newly defeated ] in now occupied ]. *] - World War II: ] leader ] surveys newly defeated ] in now occupied ].


* ] - ]: ] signs armistice terms with ]. *] - ]: ] signs armistice terms with ].


* ] - General ] is officially recognized by ] as "Leader of all ]men, wherever they may be". *] - General ] is officially recognized by ] as "Leader of all ]men, wherever they may be".


* ] - ]: ] forces land in ] marking the start of the 5-year ], a British possession. *] - ]: ] forces land in ] marking the start of the 5-year ], a British possession.


* ] - ]: ], generally considered a puppet regime of the Nazis', officially begins operations with a constitutional law where only ] voted against. *] - ]: ], generally considered a puppet regime of the Nazis', officially begins operations with a constitutional law where only ] voted against.


* ] - U.S. politics: ] begins its national convention in ] and nominates ] for an unprecedented third term as president. *] - U.S. politics: ] begins its national convention in ] and nominates ] for an unprecedented third term as president.


* ] - ]: ] makes peace appeal to ] in an address to the ]. *] - ]: ] makes peace appeal to ] in an address to the ].


* ] in a reply on broadcast radio, ], British foreign minister, flatly rejects peace terms, citing the abysmal record of the Nazi regime at keeping international agreements. *] in a reply on broadcast radio, ], British foreign minister, flatly rejects peace terms, citing the abysmal record of the Nazi regime at keeping international agreements.


* ], 1940 Soviet Union annexes Baltic country ]. *], 1940 Soviet Union annexes Baltic country ].
* ], 1940 Soviet Union annexes Baltic country ]. *], 1940 Soviet Union annexes Baltic country ].
* ], 1940 Soviet Union annexes Baltic country ]. *], 1940 Soviet Union annexes Baltic country ].


* ] - ] pays tribute in the ] to the ] for work in the ]. Speech Key words: ''"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."'' *] - ] pays tribute in the ] to the ] for work in the ]. Speech Key words: ''"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."''


* ] - ] (previously a National Guard Division in ], ], ], and ]), activated and ordered into federal service for one year to engage in a training program in Ft. Sill and Louisiana prior to serving in ]. *] - ] (previously a National Guard Division in ], ], ], and ]), activated and ordered into federal service for one year to engage in a training program in Ft. Sill and Louisiana prior to serving in ].


* ] - ]: Historic ] agreement between ] and ] announced, virtually giving fifty U.S. destroyers to the ] much needed for ] escort work during the earliest desperate days of the years-long ]. In return, the ] gains ''99-year leases'' on various British bases in and around the ], including in the ] and ]. These would be useful when the ] overtly joined the '']'', prior to actual war with Germany, and thereafter. *] - ]: Historic ] agreement between ] and ] announced, virtually giving fifty U.S. destroyers to the ] much needed for ] escort work during the earliest desperate days of the years-long ]. In return, the ] gains ''99-year leases'' on various British bases in and around the ], including in the ] and ]. These would be useful when the ] overtly joined the '']'', prior to actual war with Germany, and thereafter.


* ] - ]: ] loses Southern ] to ]. *] - ]: ] loses Southern ] to ].


* September 7 - ]: Beginning of ] a cultural landmark in the ] when ] begins to rain bombs on ] in an attempt to bomb the UK into submission. This will be the first of 57 consecutive nights of ] as Hitler was preoccupied with his warplans against the ], and desired to make peace with Britain, as he had hoped and planned since the ]. *September 7 - ]: Beginning of ] a cultural landmark in the ] when ] begins to rain bombs on ] in an attempt to bomb the UK into submission. This will be the first of 57 consecutive nights of ] as Hitler was preoccupied with his warplans against the ], and desired to make peace with Britain, as he had hoped and planned since the ].


* ] - ]: ] signed into law by ], creating the first peacetime draft in U.S. history. *] - ]: ] signed into law by ], creating the first peacetime draft in U.S. history.


* ] - ]: ], ] and ] sign secret ] forming the ] driving world events during the balance of the war. *] - ]: ], ] and ] sign secret ] forming the ] driving world events during the balance of the war.
* ] - AA World War II: Battle of Britain - During a nighttime air raid by the ] ], ] is pierced by a bomb; Musician ] is born during an air-raid in ], ]. *] - AA World War II: Battle of Britain - During a nighttime air raid by the ] ], ] is pierced by a bomb; Musician ] is born during an air-raid in ], ].
* ] - ]: Draft registration of approximately 16 million men begins in the ]. *] - ]: Draft registration of approximately 16 million men begins in the ].


* ] - World War II: ] invades ]. *] - World War II: ] invades ].


* ] - ]: ] lottery held in ]. *] - ]: ] lottery held in ].
* ] - World War II: ] ends - The ] prevents ] from invading ] in this epic air battle, and Germany turns military efforts to the east to the hated ] abandoning plans for a cross-channel invasion of the ]. *] - World War II: ] ends - The ] prevents ] from invading ] in this epic air battle, and Germany turns military efforts to the east to the hated ] abandoning plans for a cross-channel invasion of the ].
* ] - ]: ] incumbent ] defeats ] challenger ] and becomes the ]' first and only three-term president, which he later bettered with a fourth elective term in the presidential elections of ]. *] - ]: ] incumbent ] defeats ] challenger ] and becomes the ]' first and only three-term president, which he later bettered with a fourth elective term in the presidential elections of ].


* ] - ]: ] - The ] launches the first ] strike in history, on the ] fleet at ]. This serves as the planning feasibility study for the more famous later attack by the ] on ]. *] - ]: ] - The ] launches the first ] strike in history, on the ] fleet at ]. This serves as the planning feasibility study for the more famous later attack by the ] on ].


* November 11 - World War II: The ] ] (cruiser) '']'' captures ] ] mail, and sends it to ] *November 11 - World War II: The ] ] (cruiser) '']'' captures ] ] mail, and sends it to ]
* ] - ]: In ], the city of ] is destroyed by 500 ] ] bombers (150,000 ]s, 503 tons of high explosives, 130 parachute mines leveled 60,000 of the city's 75,000 buildings; 568 people were killed). *] - ]: In ], the city of ] is destroyed by 500 ] ] bombers (150,000 ]s, 503 tons of high explosives, 130 parachute mines leveled 60,000 of the city's 75,000 buildings; 568 people were killed).


* ] - World War II: In response to ] leveling ] two days before, the ] begins to bomb ] (by war's end, 50,000 Hamburg residents died from ] attacks). *] - World War II: In response to ] leveling ] two days before, the ] begins to bomb ] (by war's end, 50,000 Hamburg residents died from ] attacks).


* ] - World War II: ] leader ] and ] Foreign Minister ] meet to discuss ]'s disastrous invasion of ]. *] - World War II: ] leader ] and ] Foreign Minister ] meet to discuss ]'s disastrous invasion of ].


* ] - World War II: ], ] and ] join the ]. *] - World War II: ], ] and ] join the ].


* ] - In ], coup leader General ]'s Iron Guard arrests and executes over 60 of exiled king ]'s aides. Among the dead is former minister and acclaimed historian ]. *] - In ], coup leader General ]'s Iron Guard arrests and executes over 60 of exiled king ]'s aides. Among the dead is former minister and acclaimed historian ].


* November 27 - World War II: ] and ] fight the ]. *November 27 - World War II: ] and ] fight the ].


* ] & ] - World War II: The "]". The ] is badly damaged by German air-raids. *] & ] - World War II: The "]". The ] is badly damaged by German air-raids.
* ] - ], in a ] to the nation, declares that the ] must become "...the great arsenal of Democracy." *] - ], in a ] to the nation, declares that the ] must become "...the great arsenal of Democracy."


==The Speech, 29 December 1940== ==The Speech, 29 December 1940==

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{{wikisource|Roosevelt's Fireside Chat, 29 December 1940}} {{wikisource|Roosevelt's Fireside Chat, 29 December 1940}}



==Before America enters the war== ==Before America enters the war==
This is the resulting time line of key events up to the entry of the ] into what then became known as ] in December ]. This is the resulting time line of key events up to the entry of the ] into what then became known as ] in December ].
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==External links==
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FDR—President Franklin Delano Roosevelt giving an address.

The "Arsenal of Democracy" is one of the most famous of 30 "fireside chats" broadcast on the radio by United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on December 29, 1940.

The speech was a disguised call to arms of the U.S. population as well as the obvious topic, "a call to arm and support" both Europe and to a lesser extent Asia's powers in their respective struggles against the fascist regimes. At the time it was broadcast the Axis powers were busily waging successful war on less capable nations as the last days of the Great Depression era came to a close, and that scaring experience still preoccupied the United States despite Foreign News.

In terms of leadership, the speech is frequently seen as the "next step" in a several stage process in awakening a somnolent, inward-looking country that had been isolationist and self-absorbed culturally for the preceding two decades. While the United States Navy seemed strong and was widely percieved to guarantee the Western Hemisphere safe from Axis aggressions– the United States Army numbered barely two hundred and fifty thousand officers and enlisted men as the 1930s came to a close – the foreign wars off in Europe, Africa, and Manchuria (China) seemed of little importance to the average American still reeling from the horrors of the depression.

This was one of several speeches and measures given by Roosevelt to awaken and mobilize America to the very real dangers of being too inward focused.

Time line of key preceding international events

This timeline presents the key saliant news experienced by those who later heard the call to arms of this speech by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The shear speed of the events and the large number of them is necessary to properly appreciate the climate of the times, and the historiocity of the speech to a generally dis-engaged, pascifist, and isolationist leaning nation that was galvanized by it's occurence into the performances in industrial output and military arms that unquestionably reshaped the world events thereafter.

1938 events

1939 events

Ongoing events:

  • March 14 — Slovak provincial assembly proclaims independence - Monsignor Jozef Tiso becomes the president of independent Slovak government, a Nazi puppet state.
  • March 28 — Franco conquers Madrid, ending the Spanish Civil War, and marking another victory in the ascendancy of authoritarian regimes.
  • May 7 — Spain leaves the League of Nations.
File:WWII Poland Invasion 1939-09-01.jpg
German troops pull down the checkpoints on the German-Polish border, signalling the beginning of World War II
  • July 6 — the last remaining Jewish enterprises in Germany are closed.
  • August 30 — Poland begins mobilization after finally heeding intellegence of the massing of troops on the German border.
  • September 3 — France, the United Kingdom, and Australia declare war on Germany.
  • September 3 — Roosevelt's fireside chat "On the European War".
  • September 5 — the United States declares its neutrality in the war.
  • September 17 — the Soviet Union invades Poland, and occupies eastern Polish territories.
  • September 27 — Warsaw surrenders to Germany; Modlin surrenders a day later; the last Polish large operational unit surrenders near Kock eight days later.
  • October 8 — Germany annexes Western Poland.
  • October 11 — U.S. President Roosevelt is presented with a letter signed by Albert Einstein urging the United States to develop the atomic bomb quickly.
  • December 14 — the League of Nations expels the USSR because of its attack on Finland.

1940 events

The year began with Hitler's Nazi Regime and Stalin's USSR seemingly allies and both nations in conflicts of expansion against weaker neighboring powers. Britain and it's Empire stood along side France against the Nazi aggression, and it was widely believed that once the allies were prepared, they'd knock Germany's armed forces into disarray and force Hitler to renounce his aquisitions. This prelude to unprecedented international shocks is now known as the Phony War. The term has cognates in many other languages, notably the German Sitzkrieg ("sitting war," a pun on Blitzkrieg), the French drôle de guerre (funny war or strange war) and the Polish dziwna wojna ("strange war"). In Britain the period was even referred to as the Bore War (a pun on Boer War).

1940 ongoing events

  • April 15 - Opening day at Jamaica Racetrack features the use of pari-mutuel betting equipment, a departure from bookmaking heretofore used exclusively throughout New York state. Other NY tracks follow suit later in 1940.
  • May 16 - U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, addressing a joint session of Congress, asks for an extraordinary credit of approximately $900 million to finance construction of at least 50,000 airplanes per year.

In World War II, heavy fighting took place around Dunkirk during the German invasion in 1940, but a lull in the action unexpectedly allowed a large number of French and British soldiers to escape to England. 338,226 men were evacuated amidst constant bombing (the miracle of Dunkirk, as Winston Churchill called it). The British evacuation of Dunkirk through the English Canal was codenamed Operation Dynamo. During the war, Dunkirk was largely destroyed by bombing.

Location of Dunkirk's Operation Dynamo far to the north where the forces were surrounded, as opposed to the later and more relaxed Operation Ariel area of operation June 17-24th.
The Brittany Region relative to all of France evacutated in Operation Ariel.
  • July 22 in a reply on broadcast radio, Lord Halifax, British foreign minister, flatly rejects peace terms, citing the abysmal record of the Nazi regime at keeping international agreements.
  • September 7 - World War II: Beginning of The Blitz a cultural landmark in the UK when Nazi Germany begins to rain bombs on London in an attempt to bomb the UK into submission. This will be the first of 57 consecutive nights of strategic bombing as Hitler was preoccupied with his warplans against the USSR, and desired to make peace with Britain, as he had hoped and planned since the Invasion of Poland.

The Speech, 29 December 1940

Please click here to view the speech


Before America enters the war

This is the resulting time line of key events up to the entry of the United States into what then became known as World War II in December 1941.

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