1939: FDR on Germany's Invasion of Poland – "I Hate War" Radio Address

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's historic national radio address delivered from the White House on September 3, 1939, just hours after Great Britain and France declared war on Germany following Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland. Broadcast nationwide by the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), the speech marked Roosevelt's first major wartime address at the beginning of what would become the Second World War. Speaking directly to the American people, Roosevelt explains the United States position as war engulfs Europe, announces plans to proclaim American neutrality, warns that modern conflicts affect every nation regardless of distance, and delivers one of the most memorable lines of his presidency: "I have seen war and I hate war." The address captures a pivotal moment when Americans faced the reality that another global conflict had begun, while Roosevelt sought to maintain national unity, preserve peace in the Western Hemisphere, and prepare the nation for uncertain times ahead. 00:00 - Historical Context and Introduction 00:25 - FDR's Address on International Affairs 00:55 - FDR's Address on the Outbreak of War 03:13 - The Importance of Discernment in Information 04:40 - The Dangers of Modern Warfare and American Neutrality 06:39 - A Call for Informed Thought and Honesty 08:19 - The American Stance on War and Peace 10:20 - The United States' Neutrality and the President's Stance on War 11:49 - FDR's Address and Global Broadcast Key topics covered in this broadcast: Germany's invasion of Poland: • Roosevelt opens by addressing the crisis that erupted after Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, triggering diplomatic ultimatums from Britain and France. Britain and France declare war: • The President speaks shortly after Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announced that a state of war existed between Britain and Germany, followed by France's declaration later that day. America's efforts to preserve peace: • Roosevelt reviews the repeated attempts made by the United States government during the international crises of the 1930s to prevent the outbreak of another world war. The dangers of modern warfare: • He argues that no nation can remain completely unaffected by distant conflicts, declaring that "when peace has been broken anywhere, the peace of all countries everywhere is in danger." A warning against rumors and misinformation: • Roosevelt urges Americans to distinguish carefully between verified news and speculation, emphasizing the importance of reliable information during international emergencies. American neutrality: • The President announces that a proclamation of neutrality is being prepared in accordance with international law and long-standing American policy. The Neutrality Act: • Roosevelt discusses the legal framework governing America's response to the European conflict and expresses hope that neutrality can remain genuine and effective. The economic consequences of war: • He warns against profiteering and declares that no American has the moral right to benefit financially from the suffering caused by war. The defense of the Western Hemisphere: • Roosevelt stresses that American security is closely tied to the protection of the Western Hemisphere and the surrounding oceans. National unity above partisanship: • The President calls upon Americans to set aside political divisions and focus on the common goal of preserving peace and national security. "I have seen war and I hate war": • One of the most famous declarations of Roosevelt's presidency, reaffirming his personal opposition to war while recognizing the dangers facing the world. No blackout of peace: • The speech concludes with Roosevelt's promise that every effort of his administration will be directed toward keeping the United States out of the conflict. Significance: This address represents one of the most important presidential broadcasts of the early World War II era. Delivered on the very day Britain and France entered the war, it reveals Roosevelt's delicate balancing act between maintaining official American neutrality and recognizing the profound consequences of Nazi aggression. The speech also foreshadows the gradual shift in U.S. policy that would occur over the following two years before America's entry into the war after Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Today, Roosevelt's declaration "I have seen war and I hate war" remains one of the defining statements of the period and an enduring symbol of America's uneasy position at the outbreak of World War II. Subscribe for more historic radio broadcasts, presidential speeches, and rare recordings from the Golden Age of Radio. #FDR #FranklinRoosevelt #WorldWarII #Poland1939 #IHateWar #CBSRadio #WWIIHistory #OldTimeRadio #VintageRadio #AmericanHistory