Graduation Semester and Year

2008

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in History

Department

History

First Advisor

Joyce S Goldberg

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to show the evolution of the diplomatic relationship between Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston S. Churchill from 1941-1945 based on the five conferences that were held in the Americas beginning in December of 1941. Three were held in Washington, D.C. in 1941, 1942, and 1943. Two were held in Quebec in 1943 and 1944. The relationship was a true marriage, complete with disagreements, arguments, and consensus. The meetings, however, would cement the relationship of Churchill and Roosevelt well enough for it to withstand destructive elements within and long enough for the Allies to win the war--together. The personalities of the two leaders, the roles they played as leaders of their two nations, their decisions, and the postwar impact of many of those decisions can best be viewed in the context of how they worked together within the conferences to overcome both differences on policies and their own sometimes obdurate personalities. The issues discussed at these meetings included topics of great significance for the joint war effort and for the postwar world including the joint relationship with China, military leadership in the war effort, the joint military campaigns of North Africa, Italy, and, of course, D-Day. Other issues included the sharing of atomic bomb information, relations with the Free French and Charles de Gaulle, and the future of postwar Germany. The five conferences are the setting for change in the dominance in the partnership. The alliance between the two nations began as one of equals and yet it evolved during the war as the United States became the predominant partner.

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | History

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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