World War II
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Image courtesy of the Library of Congress
The ladders of fire engines form a “V” in front of the Capitol.
On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress to ask for a declaration of war after Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Roosevelt’s speech, Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin’s lone vote against war, and security at the Capitol are discussed in a series of first-hand accounts of the World War II era. Oral histories help to provide a more complete picture of the House of Representatives during this period of global conflict.
Declarations of War in 1941
View a documentary featuring former House Reading Clerk Irving Swanson remembering the U.S. declarations of war in 1941, accompanied by historical audio and video footage.
Irving Swanson, Reading Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
Security During World War II
Discussion of the increased police presence on Capitol Hill during the early years of World War II.
Joe Bartlett, Clerk to the Minority, U.S. House of Representatives
The House Floor on December 8, 1941
Recollections of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s "Day of Infamy" speech.
Myles Garrigan, Page, U.S. House of Representatives
Lone Vote: Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin of Montana
Eyewitness account of Montana Congresswoman Jeannette Rankin's lone vote against the U.S. declaration of war against Japan on December 8, 1941.
Irving Swanson, Reading Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives
Meeting President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Description of a chance encounter with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1945.
Benjamin C. West, Superintendent, Daily Press Gallery, U.S. House of Representatives
Memories of Representative Jeannette Rankin
Memories of Representative Jeannette Rankin's lone dissenting vote.
Joe Bartlett, Clerk to the Minority, U.S. House of Representatives
Transcript (PDF)
Declaration of War Against Japan
On December 8, 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt asked a Joint Session of Congress to declare war against Japan in response to the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor.
Declaration of War Against Germany and Italy
On December 11, 1941, just three days after declaring war against Japan, the House approved a declaration of war against Germany and Italy. Reading Clerk Irving Swanson read President Roosevelt's short message to the House.
Declaration of War Gavel
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On December 11, 1941, Reading Clerk Irving Swanson read President Roosevelt’s swift rejoinder requesting a declaration of war against Axis Powers Germany and Italy. Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn presented this gavel, used during this historic session, to Swanson in appreciation for reading Roosevelt’s message and taking the roll call vote.
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives, Gift of Irving Swanson
About this object
V for Victory
/tiles/non-collection/o/oh_evnt_ww2_vforvic_lc.xml
The ladders of fire engines form a “V” in front of the Capitol.
Image courtesy of the Library of Congress
Japanese Submarine in Front of Capitol
A captured Japanese submarine was displayed in front of the Capitol in 1943. Spectators could view the submarine up close by purchasing war bonds.
Image courtesy of the Library of Congress