Ep 6. The Common Cause (1939-1944)

The Roosevelts: An Intimate History season 1 episode 6, titled "The Common Cause (1939-1944)," delves deeper into the escalation of World War II and how the United States ultimately became involved in the conflict. The episode explores Franklin Roosevelt's efforts to rally the American people behind the war effort, as well as his struggles with his health and personal relationships during this time.

One of the key themes of this episode is the idea of a "common cause" - that the war effort required a united front from all Americans, regardless of their background or political affiliation. The episode highlights the efforts of groups like the Office of War Information, which was tasked with disseminating propaganda and information about the war to the American public. We also see how Hollywood got involved in the war effort, with celebrities like Jimmy Stewart and Clark Gable volunteering for military service and movies like Casablanca drawing on the war for inspiration.

Meanwhile, the war continues to disrupt the lives of ordinary Americans. We see how soldiers are trained and deployed overseas, and how their families cope with their absence. We also learn about the internment of Japanese Americans, which was widely criticized at the time and is now recognized as a dark chapter in American history.

Throughout this period, Roosevelt's health continues to be a concern. The episode shows him struggling to walk and speak at times, but also displaying the resilience and determination that made him such a consequential president. We see how his relationships with important figures like Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin evolved over time, as well as how his domestic policies shifted in response to the war effort.

Overall, "The Common Cause (1939-1944)" provides a comprehensive look at the United States' involvement in World War II and the many challenges faced during this period. It is an insightful and engaging episode that sheds light on an important moment in U.S. history.