H.W. Brands explains how, in May 1941, Roosevelt declared an "unlimited national emergency," putting American industry and the public mind on a wartime footing. This move escalated the "moral war" against Germany and effectively criminalized dissent, as

H.W. Brands explains how, in May 1941, Roosevelt declared an "unlimited national emergency," putting American industry and the public mind on a wartime footing. This move escalated the "moral war" against Germany and effectively criminalized dissent, as Roosevelt began labeling his critics "copperheads" and "fifth columnists"—terms implying disloyalty or treason. Lindbergh felt this was a dangerous overreach, noting that his father had been hounded by the Justice Department for similar dissent during World War I. The administration intensified its pressure, with the FBItapping America First Committee phones and British agents attempting to sabotage their gatherings. Roosevelt even misrepresented the Greer incident, claiming a German submarine had fired unprovoked on an American ship, when in fact the Greer was actively hunting the submarine. On September 11, 1941, during a rally in Des Moines, Iowa, a desperate Lindbergh made a fatal rhetorical error. He identified three groups pushing for war: the British, the Rooseveltadministration, and Jewish Americans. Although he stated their sympathies were understandable, his mention of "American Jews" allowed his enemies to brand him an anti-Semite and a "Nazi stooge." Even supporters like Herbert Hoover told him that while his words might be true, he was "wrong to say it" because he had moved himself politically out of bounds. (7)
1940