America First Movement Collection

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: MS10

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The first section is comprised of materials from the actual America First Committee, a group opposed to American entry into World War II, active in 1940 - 1941. Many of these pieces are concerned in particular with the Los Angeles area branch of the movement.

The second section is made up of materials from other American groups, who, while having the same goal as the America First Committee, were not officially affiliated with it. These groups are also from the Los Angeles area. Most are extremely conservative and materials reflect the anti-Semitism, racism, and anti-Communism masquerading behind the respectable front of association with the America First Committee itself and Charles Lindbergh. Also included in the movement were pro-German Bund societies, and some pieces reflect that association.

The third category of materials in the collection include pamphlets, serials, and photographs from Germany. They include monographs on Nazi Germany's development before the war, documents concerning the Polish crisis and the beginning of the war, serial issues, and photographs from the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Dates

1930-1941

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions on use of the materials in the department for research; all patrons must comply with federal copyright regulations.

Extent

2 Boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains materials from three sources: the America First Committee, other American groups with similar goals, and German propaganda in the 1930s. Materials include pamphlets, small monographs, serials, correspondence, flyers, posters, political ephemera, and photographs. These items are a sample of the kinds of material generated before U.S. entry into World War II. Taken individually, the items in this collection provide only a fragmentary record of the times; considered as a group, this collection gives an impression of the turbulence of the period, the political issues that were involved, and the propaganda that was published in the attempt to prevent U.S. entry into the war.