President Roosevelt and the Coming of War, 1941

Charles Beard's work, President Roosevelt and the Coming of War, 1941, presents a revisionist view suggesting President Franklin D. Roosevelt maneuvered the United States into war with Japan. This theory, often termed the "Back Door to War," posits that Roosevelt, facing public opposition to direct involvement in World War II, intentionally provoked Japan into attacking Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, thereby forcing American entry into the conflict on the side of Great Britain.12

Beard argued that Roosevelt employed deceptive tactics to gradually increase U.S. involvement and foster pro-war sentiment. This included revising neutrality laws, transferring destroyers to Britain, and implementing the Lend-Lease program, all while making public promises to keep America out of foreign wars. The revisionist case suggests that by imposing embargoes on Japan, Roosevelt created a situation where an attack on Pearl Harbor was predictable, and that the administration failed to adequately warn military commanders.13

Most historians, however, reject the "Back Door to War" theory, arguing that while Roosevelt was concerned with public opinion, his actions were aimed at aiding allies and defending national security, not intentionally provoking war. They contend that Roosevelt genuinely tried to avoid war with Japan and was surprised by the attack on Pearl Harbor.13