Claude Pepper Library selected World War II Documents

PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 76th CONGRESS, THIRD SESSION
A SEVEN-POINT PROGRAM FOR NATIONAL
DEFENSE

SPEECH OF HON. CLAUDE PEPPER OF FLORIDA
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 17, 1940

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"Fist-Shaking Mothers Hang Pepper's Effigy On Capitol Maple While He Sits in Senate"

Read the Washington Post newspaper article, then view the comments Claude Pepper made on that day in his diary.

Pepper writes in his diary: Wednesday, August 21, 1940 (view diary page)

"The so-called American Mothers Group, a militant, fascist crowd which has been denouncing me and others during the week hanged me in effigy in front of the Capitol and dragged the effigy around the Capitol and in front of the Supreme Court until stopped by police. I have the effigy in my office as a souvenir. Maybe I have arrived as a prominent citizen now. I gave out statement that I knew they were sincere and it was freedom of speech and action we were trying to preserve."

Signed petitions slip opposing American intervention in World War 2. Citizens wishing to voice their opposition to involvement would sign these slips and mail them to their Senators and Congressmen.

Letter of support for Senator Claude Pepper's work in aiding the Allies against the Axis powers written by D. Mutchler of Chicago, Illinois.

Conversely, a letter criticizing Senator Pepper for his attempts to send military aid to England.

Advertisements for a speech given by Claude Pepper on behalf of the Committee to Defend America.

Press statement given by Senator Claude Pepper during the summer of 1941 calling attention to the dire need of the United States to stop Hitler.

Nazi Party meeting ticket:

Below:

A series of telegrams sent by Senator Claude Pepper warning the Senate of the dangers of the Axis powers and the dire need for American involvement in the war.