Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

Between the kidnapping and Hauptmann's execution, Anne and Charles attempted to live normal lives. Charles continued to consult for Pan Am Airways and Transcontinental Air Transport. In 1934, Lindbergh became embroiled in a controversy involving charges that the postmaster general was catering to special interests and big business by awarding airmail contracts to large companies. President Roosevelt issued an executive order to hand over the airmail to a federal service, but Lindbergh wrote a public telegram to Roosevelt criticizing his action. With public sentiment against him, Roosevelt relented and restored the airmail service to private companies. It would not be the last time the two men clashed.

In 1932, their second son Jon was born. In the summer of 1933, Anne and Charles left on a long, circuitous trip across the Atlantic and around Europe. The media criticized the couple for abandoning their young...