Watching Darkness Fall by David McKean
#StMartinsPress#NetGalley

Through David McKean’s extensive research, we get to see that FDR’s choices for US ambassadors were made just short of that of a squirrel crossing the road. At a critical time in the world, which needed American help and intervention, FDR selects advisors from friends, people he liked and generous donors, to the list of possibilities. Hmmm.

This is a well-paced book. It’s interesting, informative and hits the highlights of the 1930s and ‘40s. US Ambassadors are happy, unhappy, energetic, capable and not so well informed. Just like people everywhere. They just had the ear of the president, Franklin Roosevelt.

As Hitler climbs to power in Germany, some ambassadors thought he was harmless. Others sounded the alarm and told isolationist FDR to watch out. This well written book takes the reader from peace to WWII, refreshing all that you may have learned and forgotten from high school history.

I was given an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. Author David McKean put together a fine book about the rise of Hitler as seen through the eyes of four American ambassadors assigned by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. McKean details the experiences of William Dodd (Germany), William Bullitt (France), Breckinridge Long (Italy) and Joseph P. Kennedy (England) during the 1930s when Hitler rose to power. These men had no idea what they were in for as they witnessed firsthand the turbulent events that led to the devastation of Europe. Their interaction with the U.S. President and their views make for an interesting read. Dodd, for example, knew exactly what the Nazis stood for and tried to make known that Hitler was a madman. At the same time, Long let it be known that he admired Mussolini, while Kennedy remained an isolationist and felt that America should avoid trouble at all cost. Bullitt thought that France and Germany should be able to negotiate peace. He faulted Dodd for being in the way. Dodd was outspoken and knew that there was no negotiating with the Nazis. Roosevelt himself had his hands full with trying to pull his country out of the Great Depression. Public sentiment was strong against joining in the international fight. The president knew, however, that it was only a matter of time before his hand would be forced into the turmoil. McKean provides a unique look at a very dark time and brings to life four very distinct politicians who witnessed the same things, but who viewed them differently. Very well written and researched--a must read for anyone interested in World War II.

Hitler's Rise

This story spans the war years of 1933-to 1941 and the Rise of Adolph Hitler in Europe. It is a story of the inside workings of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration and how they handled the rise of Hitler.

It is especially about the four men that president Roosevelt picked to be diplomat's to the four countries in Europe. William Dodd in Germany, Joseph Kennedy in the United Kingdom, Breckenridge Long in Italy and finally Bullitt who was originally posted to Russia and then to France.

President Roosevelt often had a personal connection to his appointees and loyalty was expected and received. He got along will all of them except for Mr. Dodd who had difference of opinions with but respected.

The problem is that all of his diplomats misjudged Hitler's power and did nothing and wrongly advised FDR that Hitler was less of a threat than he actually was. That is all except for Mr. Dodd who warned the president of the threat from Hitler. Unfortunately his warnings were not heeded.
It is the story of each diplomat and how they sit back and watch Hitler take over Europe and are complacent until it is too late.

I believe much research has gone into this book and it was well written. An interesting history of this period of time and worth reading. I do recommend it.

Thanks to David McKean, ST. Martin's Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book, all opinions are my own.

David McKean’s insightful history of President Roosevelt’s ambassadors offers a unique view of history through the men who were FDR’s ears and eyes abroad during the rise of Hitler. On the homefront, Watching Darkness Fall is the story of how FDR contended with American isolationism while knowing that the rise of fascism in Europe meant America would be forced to become involved.

FDR had a wonderful insight into human nature that allowed him to inspire loyalty–and manipulate and contain would-be adversaries. For his ambassadors, he chose an academic–Dodd, trusted friends–Bullitt and Long–and a man he owed a political favor but did not trust–Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.

William Bullitt came from a politically connected, wealthy family. FDR sent him on several fact finding missions in Europe. Bullitt charmed FDR’s office wife Missy LeHand, along with numerous other women. FDR identified him as the right man for ambassador to the Soviet Union; during the war, he was assigned to France and painfully experienced the Nazi takeover of his beloved Paris.

William E. Dodd was a professor of history who spoke German. “I want an American liberal in Germany as a standing example, FDR told him. Dodd was appalled by the Nazis and warned of impending war. His daughter became a Soviet spy!

Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. understood money. FDR offered him government positions as a reward for his support, but Kennedy wanted a cabinet position. He was offered the ambassadorship to London. The Kennedy family at first charmed the Brits, but Joe became persona non gratis with his entrenched insistence on American isolationism. He had no sympathy for the Jews and thought fascism had provided economic stability for Germany and was the future for all democracies–including America.

Breckinridge Long was in the Wilson administration and FDR sent him to Italy where he came to admire Mussolini. As Secretary of State, his inaction to refugees fleeing Nazi persecution was based on national security concerns and his antisemitism, and he suppressed information about the mass murder of Jews.

Watching Darkness Fall greatly contributed to my understanding of this critical time. I found it an interesting study in context of the rise of fascism in the 21st c.

I received a free egalley from the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

An interesting assessment of FDR’s ambassadors up to WWII. McKean paints a brief portrait of each and then analyzes their impact on foregoing policy. I think the most compelling quote was at the beginning of the book when he quotes FDR. chose ambassadors like a housewife buying apples over the phone. Trying to ascertain if FDR could have done more to stop Hitler is counterproductive. What he did or didn’t know is irrelevant. It’s interesting to read, but I don’t agree with some of the author’s assertions.

Watching Darkness Fall is an insightful work which tells the story of four key ambassadors who served President Roosevelt in the years leading up to WW2, how their opinions shaped those of the President and the nations in which they served.

As McKean points out, this was the last era in which foreign policy was to any significant degree shaped by its ambassadors. Two out of the four,William Bullitt and Breckinridge Long, were longtime friends and associates of the President; Joseph Kennedy self made millionaire and father to a future President, was appointed to avoid appointing him as Secretary of the Treasury;William Dodd, an academic, because he taught about Germany and spoke German fluently.

McKean describes the triumphs and failures of each man. Kennedy, a shrewd businessman could not get past a purely economic approach to diplomacy and was an ardent appeaser, even after Britain entered the war. Dodd, an ultimately decent and honorable man, ultimately could not withstand the horror that was Nazi Germany and his powerlessness to prevent it from continuing. Long simply became infatuated with Mussolini and could not present a true picture of fascism nor give good advice to the President. His actions as Undersecretary of State to prevent European Jews from finding refuge in the US overshadow any good he may have done either before or after the war. Bullitt, despite overweening ambition, proved to be the most effective. He disobeyed orders and helped prevent the destruction of Paris, accurately predicted Hitler’s plan to dismantle Europe. He could have done more but for his envy of Sumner Welles, a rival and Assistant Secretary of State. His willingness to expose Welles as being gay led to his exile from real power.

All were men of their times, reflecting the racism, anti-semitism and elitism then prevalent. All but one, Dodd, were as anxious to pursue their own interests as those of the U.S. Perhaps the most important and interesting parts of the book take us behind the scenes at the White House, including one in which FDR has Joe Kennedy strip to his shorts in the Oval Office.

I am an avid reader of books about the pre-war era. This book is an exceptional contribution to this area of study.

Fascinating historical perspective, well researched and written, exploring an angle on Hitler's rise which isn't often scrutinized or written about. Recommended.

In Watching Darkness Fall, McKean addresses a topic many Americans have wondered about when considering our handling of WWII: What did we know about the Axis Powers prior to the war, and what was our planned response? Author McKean puts each important pre-war ambassador under the microscope, evaluating their analyses and letters to President Roosevelt. While McKean's critique of these ambassadors is largely fair and based on empirical evidence, his view of FDR himself is much rosier. FDR is given credit for his political maneuvering as if that were the only option he had in dealing with isolationist opponents. And while it cannot be expected that this book would explore FDR deeply given its already detailed subject matter, the author's presentation of FDR does not feel sufficient in explaining some of the president's inconsistencies. Nevertheless, this book offers a thought-provoking, well-organized, and well-researched argument on the influence of Roosevelt's ambassadors and is well worth reading for anyone interested in WWII history.

Watching Darkness Fall tells the story of the rise of the Third Reich from the perspectives of Joseph Kennedy, William Dodd, Breckinridge Long and William Bullitt, US foreign ambassadors under FDR. David McKean, a former ambassador himself, lays out the history in an interesting, very detailed, informative way.

I read this book slowly, stopping frequently to look things up so I understood the who, what and whys behind the early days of the Reich. I've read a lot about this era over the years, but still managed to learn many new facts from this book. This isn't a quick read -- there is a lot of detailed information. But it's well worth reading for those interested in what occurred.

This is the first book I've read by David McKean. I'm definitely going to check out his other books. I like his writing style and he definitely knows his subject well! Detailed historical accounts can get a bit dry, but McKean kept it interesting throughout. Very informative!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

In 1934 the waffling began with Roosevelt, his European ambassadors and diplomats regarding Hitler. Would the U. S. accept a Europe ruled by Hitler? … let European nations fight each other? … let Russia defeat Germany? … stay out of the European mess?

Roosevelt’s focus was on badly needed domestic programs, while underestimating the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany. Nothing much was done internationally until the United States was attacked in 1941 by Japan at Pearl Harbor.

Roosevelt was adept at appointing positions based on campaign contributions. The bigger the contribution, the better the position. (That’s not much different than today I guess.) Some diplomats were effective, some not so much. Side note: I never was a Joseph Kennedy fan, and after reading this, I find him despicable.

It took me awhile to get through Watching Darkness Fall because it is loaded with details, interesting details. The author shows similarities to today’s state of affairs; is today just history repeating itself.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. Well done, Mr McKean.

An intense, well researched, and thrilling history. This book covers a 10+ year time period from 1935 to the mid 40s- spanning the rise and fall of Hitler to the events of Pearl Harbor. A great read for history buffs and the younger generation seeking to learn more about these powerful events in history.

This book covers the time period from about 1935 until the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is about Roosevelt’s way of operating with his Secretary of State and his Ambassadors to England, France and Germany leading up to World War II. It is well written and researched. I recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in World War II or Franklin Roosevelt.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon, Facebook and my nonfiction book review blog.

The research done for this story was exhaustive, intense and well done. It reads like a history book, of which can be understandable for the content it covers. I learned so much more about President Roosevelt than I had ever dreamed of. The book covers 4 diplomats assigned to represent the United States in Western European cities in the 1930/40’s
Parts of this book made me angry, I have come to despise some politicians due to the last several years and the current events happening in the USA at this time. But it appears politicians weren’t any better back in the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s. Having your country provide you housing, lavish parties, esteem, power and then bragging about it while the working man back in the states were writing the checks. Having to be told to work eight hours a day 5 days a week, seriously? They had to be ordered to do that?
I also found it despicable after President’s Roosevelts death they didn’t even have the character to defend him, he placed them in those positions, trusting the information they provided would assist him in his decision process. If they would have taken their positions seriously, WWII could, or would have been avoided with Hitler being stopped years earlier. It is a gripping historical dialogue.
Received an ARC from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my unbiased review – This one comes in with 4****.

An interesting look at the U.S. ambassadors to Europe before and during World War II. McKean explores their relationships to each other, to FDR, and to the leaders of the England, France, Germany, Italy, and to a certain extent, the Soviet Union. It examines the events leading up to the war, and how the ambassadors reported and reacted to them.

Ambassador David McKean tells the tale of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's hands-off policy when it came to Foreign Affairs during his first two terms in office. Trusting old school ties and common class identity to determine who would make a suitable Ambassador. The rise of totalitarian governments in Europe would strain this traditional method and Ambassador McKean makes the argument that would prevent a more forceful and engaged United States Foreign Policy during this vital time.

The second war to end all wars is looming and Franklin D. Roosevelt has been elected as the president of the United States. Bowing to a need for ambassadors in Europe, Roosevelt appoints a cadre of men with a range of diplomatic skills to be his eyes and ears in the years leading up to the Third Reich. In Watching Darkness Fall, author David McKean lends weight to the subject by virtue of his own experience in the diplomatic corps and in a well-written and easy to follow narrative, gives readers a new look at an important historical moment. A wonderful asset to anyone's library, this is a well-researched, informative look at an important and terrifying piece of history.

Decades after WWI, the US people, and most of the US government, truly believed in Woodrow Wilson's insane and unworkable isolationism stance. I understand the wish to not be dragged into some war that's not yours to fight, but the US and everyone else on the planet have been globalists almost as soon as (most of) the map had been tentatively finalized. Backbiting Ambassadors too interested in their own machinations on higher office don't help.

Watching Darkness Fall is primarily the story of FDR - both a Wilsonian politician and charged with pulling the U out of the Great depression - and four of his Ambassadors, posted to offices in Europe. Of the four included in this book, only one seemed to understand the threat posed by Hitler in Germany, and the great conflagration he would cause: William Dodd. He warned FDR, early and often, that Hitler was going to be a problem to our allies (especially Great Britain and France) and potentially the world at large. The others - Breckenridge Long in Italy, William Bullitt in Russia and subsequently in France, and Joseph P. Kennedy - either heaped praise on a fascist while acting like a tourist (Long), wrote what amounted to love letters to FDR (seriously!) and constantly painted a pretty picture for him, even while things were falling apart, and had the audacity to think he could speak for the US or French(!) government when the leaders fled France, all the while angling for a job as head of the war department (Bullitt), or were anti-Semites, particularly uninterested in the plight of Jews in Germany (Long and Kennedy).

It isn't an easy read, particularly to start; there are names and history and political dealings thrown at the reader in order to set the stage. Presumably anyone reading this would have a basic understanding of the runup to WWII. If you do not, it will likely be fairly rough sailing, at least until all the characters are in place.

Once that's complete, however, it's easy to see - through letters, diaries, newspapers, and official government issues - just how ready some were to allow Europe and possibly even Russia go up in flames because no one really wanted to hear any bad news from abroad, much less help our own allies fight against a maniac. It's especially troubling to read Bullitt's missives. He was grossly unqualified and unprepared for the duty he accepted. Equally disgusting was Long, who deliberately held up visas for those fleeing to the US, especially Jews and even children, and Kennedy, who urged FDR to make people with Hitler.

The book ends rather abruptly, but by that point, I was tired of all of them and quite glad of it.

Five stars, no doubt in my mind.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the reading copy.

Watching Darkness Fall by David McKean is one of the most interesting and readable accounts I have seen of the years and events in Europe that preceded the U.S. involvement in World War II. This fascinating account is based on the letters written to President Franklin Roosevelt by ambassadors to the European countries that were being affected by the Natzi regime and is an interesting look at their relationship with Roosevelt, Mussolini, Hitler, and other power brokers of that time period.
Isolationist politics were much in evidence as the country and the world was reeling from the Great Depression. Americans were literally starving to death as Hitler began his climb to power in the aftermath of World War I and the blowback from the Treaty of Versailles. Under the leadership of FDR the country gradually began to realize that the threat was not just to Europe but was coming to America thru its backdoor in the Pacific as well as threats to the free waters and trade routes all over the globe.
Reading this book makes the time period come to life and one gets a glimpse of not just Roosevelt and the ambassadors, but his wife Eleanor and the other major players in the politics and personal pursuits of a man that was president during some of our country's darkest hours. Read #WatchingDarknessFall. It is an excellent study of leadership and our world in a time of crisis. Thanks to #WatchingDarknessFall#NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book was very interesting and offered a number of perspectives on what was happening in Europe in the 1930's. The writing was at times a bit dry, but the material was compelling enough to push through. Not all of the ambassadors came off well due to their behavior and FDR came off as a master manipulator, as he often does. Seeing how each of these men related to their roles and the events unfolding around them was an interesting way to look at this material.

This is a complex and detailed book about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his ambassadors to key cities in the U.K. and Europe during the Nazi regime’s meteoric rise to power in Germany. It is written by David McKean, the former U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and former director of Policy Planning for the U.S. Department of State. It begins really in the early 1930’s with FDR’s political career in the U.S., as well as Hitler’s political career in Germany. I found this book to be loaded with facts and dates but the prose was clear, concise, and easy to understand. Not a small feat when explaining 20th Century world history.

The slowest reading I usually do in any book is the beginning, in which the major and many minor characters are introduced. The same happened here. The only U.S. ambassador that I knew anything about was Joe Kennedy, Ambassador to the Court of St. James (London). I also had little knowledge of FDR’s early political career, and no knowledge of his campaigns. Be patient, it all does matter during the latter years.

As I noted above, there are quite a few facts that I didn’t know before that are presented in the narrative, and I liked that. This is one of the historical time periods that I enjoy studying so that was a plus. I did not know that Ambassador Dodd was a front runner in calling out Hitler for what he was. (I did know that CBS journalist William L. Shirer was, but Dodd appears to have been far more militant about it.) I also was not aware that Ambassador Kennedy went to the lengths he did to try to get Roosevelt to make peace with Hitler while western European countries were overrun and the U.K. was clearly in grave danger.

All in all, I highly recommend this book as an examination of FDR and foreign policy in action during the 1930’s and into the 1940’s during the War. The emphasis is on the 1930’s and how the U.S. came to be involved in World War II. The personalities and attitudes of these select ambassadors profiled here definitely impacted world politics.

I want to thank St. Martin’s Press, author David McKean, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this pre-publication eGalley. I have posted an honest opinion and have not received anything for it.