Reaction to FDR and the Holocaust

Amanda Aussems

Blog Reaction

October 30, 2013 (Wednesday)

Reaction to FDR and the Jews Presentation

First and foremost, I just wanted to say that I was really glad I decided to go to this presentation. I really found the speech interesting and felt that I gained much insight to more of the political aspects of the precursors to the Holocaust. Although much information was presented, the topics that struck me the most had to do with the “Four versions of FDR”. I was surprised to find out that Roosevelt was considered a very adaptable president in the fact that he reacted differently in different situations. For example in a conversation with a Zionist he would take a Zionist stand, in a conversation with an anti-Semite he would take an anti-Semitic stand, etc. The presentation focused on the “2^nd FDR”. This version of FDR is not as well known which to me was sad because this FDR was the one who seemed to strive to get the Jews out of Germany and Austria. I liked the fact that this presentation was centered around the many approaches FDR worked toward in order to help the Jews seek refuge before the struggles became too much to bear in Europe. I was also shocked by the S.S. St. Louis Ship story. I didn’t know about that prior to the presentation. I was really pretty ignorant to all the attempts and political aspects concerning the US and Europe during the time period leading up to WWII and I think I now have more awareness by attending this presentation. 

(I also took notes on the presentation but they are handwritten and not nearly in depth as Zeke's.)