Abstract

As much of the world’s leadership was not sure what to think of the emerging Nazi movement in the 1920’s through the 1930’s, Truman Smith clearly saw the dark potential of a Nazi led Germany. From 1920-1924, Smith served as assistant military attaché in Germany. While serving, Smith was the first American diplomat to interview Hitler. Smith reported on the manipulative sway Hitler had over the masses, as well as the danger the world could face if Hitler gained power. Smith returned to Germany later in his career and served as head military attaché from 1935-1939. During this stay, Smith orchestrated a wildly successful scheme to utilize the aviator Charles Lindbergh’s fame in order to gain intelligence on German air technology.

Together, Smith and Lindbergh provided the United States with unprecedented intelligence on German military build-up; however, Smith’s reports were almost entirely ignored by the Roosevelt administration. A diverse combination of domestic political factors contributed to the poor reception Smith’s reports received. Most notably, Smith’s reports conflicted with Roosevelt’s plan for the United States. In addition, negative consequences from Roosevelt’s personal rivalry with Lindbergh flowed through to Smith. An examination of Smith’s story offers a clear example of how domestic political agendas clouded decision making in the United States government leading up to World War II.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 12-3-2013

Mentor

David Coleman

Mentor Department Affiliation

History

Access Options

Restricted Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelor's

Department

Business

Department Name when Degree Awarded

Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems

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