S8 Ep1169: Neil Lanctot covers the winter of 1915–1916, when TR championed the "preparedness" movement, arguing that the U.S. was dangerously vulnerable with only 100,000 men in its army. Wilson, feeling the political pressure, launched a speaking tour through the M
S8 Ep1169: Neil Lanctot covers the winter of 1915–1916, when TR championed the "preparedness" movement, arguing that the U.S. was dangerously vulnerable with only 100,000 men in its army. Wilson, feeling the political pressure, launched a speaking tour through the M  
Podcast: The John Batchelor Show
Published On: Mon Jul 27 2026
Description: Neil Lanctot covers the winter of 1915–1916, when TR championed the "preparedness" movement, arguing that the U.S.was dangerously vulnerable with only 100,000 men in its army. Wilson, feeling the political pressure, launched a speaking tour through the Midwest to sell a defense buildup, using the analogy that he could not keep "sparks" from a world on fire from hitting the American roof. While TR maneuvered for the 1916 Republican nomination, the peace movement suffered a major blow via Henry Ford's "Peace Ship." Ford funded an expedition of neutrals to Europe to stop the war, but it became a disorganized PR disaster that made pacifism appear foolish to the public. Jane Addams, though intending to go, fell ill and missed the voyage—a stroke of luck that saved her from the ensuing ridicule. Despite the internal chaos of the peace movement, Wilson eventually secured a defense buildup package in the summer of 1916. (4)