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America begins down the dangerous path to World War Two. Here are some memories of that time.

When the Germans invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 the world went to war for the second time in 27 years. One expansionist country invaded another. The scope of this new war was not yet apparent, the truth dawning gradually; this one would last six years, involve more than two hundred countries which caused millions of people to suffer, costing 55 million lives and material damage of some 3 billion dollars, it affected the lives of three quarters of the worlds population and influence the lives of the majority of the world's inhabitants to some degree.

Much history has been recorded of this war. Fortunately we had radio at that time and we were able to have an oral history that would last forever. A very small yet important part of that history is here for you to listen to at your pleasure.

Below is a critical speech delivered 29 December 1940 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called The Great Arsenal of Democracy. It is a wonderful review of history and war. Compare it to today. This is a speech on national security and how other countries want us to stay out of their affairs. This is a speech that precedes our entering WW11 --- just prior to our getting into that war.

This was about 1 year before we were attacked at Pearl Harbor and entered World War II, which began in Europe in what most believe to be 1939. He tells us we won't enter war here. Notice how much we are making to prepare us for war, however. Because of that there was a tremendous shortage of material for other things such as fountain pens. Parker Pen Company began cutting back on what they could produce until after the war. Parker Pens now sell at a premium for certain years. Plastic was scarce as was other material because of the war build up. He asks for business to produce munitions. He knew before Pearl that we were going into war.

This speech is about 38 minutes long.

Following is President Roosevelt's speech to congress declaring war against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Below is a radio bulletin of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This is a lovely documentary of the president and you will also hear the president. You get the feel of the time. It's rather breathtaking.