Theodore Roosevelt Blames President Wilson’s “Band and Tricky Course” For Turning People Against World War I

When World War I broke out in Europe in 1914, many Americans strongly supported the Allies, and the foremost and outspoken among them was ex-President Theodore Roosevelt. TR blamed Germany for the war and its atrocities, and openly advocated taking a harsh line against that nation. there was no universal American championship of the Allies cause, and in fact many people leaned towards the German side. In fact, in 1916 President Wilson ran for reelection on the slogan “He kept us out of war,” and won. Then, on April 6, 1917, Wilson changed his stance and asked Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. The vote in Congress was 455 in favor to 56 against. One of the Republican to vote no, and a leader of the dissenters, was the populist and future U.S. Senator Ernest Lundeen of Minnesota, who followed this vote with a no vote on the conscription bill. In the months after the U.S. declaration of war, Lundeen engaged in a heated exchange, almost a debate via correspondence, with Roosevelt, one that dealt with the pros and cons of American policy, but far more importantly, delved into the meanings, characteristics and limits of patriotism, free speech, and dissent in a democracy.

"Mr. Wilson’s bad and tricky course naturally puzzled you, which very largely exonerated you; the other is our agreement for the hearty and unflinching support of the war in the future."

Roosevelt and Lundeen met on October 14 where the issues and Lundeen’s record were carefully discussed. TR then sent Lundeed a letter blaming Woodrow Wilson, exonerating Lundeen for taking the actions TR opposed, and setting up a condition for Lundeen’s staying in good graces. Typed Letter Signed on his Metropolitan letterhead, New York, October 26, 1917, to Lundeen. “I am re-writing that letter.  The delay is, of course, of no consequence, as it ought not to appear until after this election.  I wish to emphasize just two things; one is a frank admission that Mr. Wilson’s bad and tricky course naturally puzzled you, which very largely exonerated you; the other is our agreement for the hearty and unflinching support of the war in the future.  It would be a mistake to complicate it with other matters.” He added in holograph that his words not be made public at that time: “Do not use the enclosed; sent it back with any comments; and I will send on a clear and revised letter.”