MR. CHURCHILL IN THE WHITE HOUSE

A respected historian finds new things to say about the relationship between Franklin Roosevelt and Churchill.

In this well-researched book, Schmuhl, chair of the American studies and journalism programs at Notre Dame, focuses on the numerous periods when Churchill stayed in the White House as a guest of the president. The author points out that these were not mere photo-op sessions: Churchill’s longest stay was 24 days, up to January 14, 1942. He was constantly working, writing speeches, papers, letters, and cables, and regularly meeting with members of Congress and generals as well as the president. Roosevelt gave him copious amounts of his time, but Eleanor was not so taken with their guest, and the White House staff were bemused by Churchill’s habit of wandering the hallways in the early hours wearing only a dressing gown. Pearl Harbor had drawn the U.S. into World War II, and powerful voices were arguing that the effort should concentrate on the Pacific. Churchill pushed to ensure that there was sufficient American attention given to Europe, and he was largely successful. But as the tide of war turned, his views became less important. The U.S. became the dominant player, and Eisenhower was the man running the war in Europe. When Eisenhower became president, he invited Churchill to stay in the White House, but it was largely a measure of his personal respect. Britain was a declining power, and Churchill could do little about it, except for emphasizing the “special relationship” between the countries. Schmuhl delves into a trove of records and correspondence, although he warns that Churchill’s recounting of events was often more colorful than reliable. It adds up to a fresh approach to an important piece of history.

An educational recollection of an era when geopolitics was based on respect, mutual understanding, and friendship.