Part 2 Chapter 7 Summary

When the Senate reconvened after the 1940 elections, most people were more concerned about the war in Europe and Hitler's aggression rather than the domestic problems of the Great Depression. On December 29, 1940, Franklin Roosevelt gave one of his most memorable "fireside chats." He spoke of America's becoming "the great arsenal of democracy." The nation's role would be to supply the British in their fight against Hitler in a "lend-lease" program. The United States started to build one armament factory after another.

Truman became concerned that the plants and army camps in his home state were not run properly. He took a long automobile trip from DC through Florida and into the Midwest, inspecting many of the plants and operations himself. He spoke about his concerns in a personal meeting with Roosevelt, then gave a formal speech before the Senate on February 10, 1941. He...