WAR COMES TO AMERICA

Cinemavixion Review

Frank Capra's "War Comes to America" stands as the concluding chapter in his seminal "Why We Fight" propaganda series, offering a comprehensive, albeit biased, narrative of the United States' journey from isolationism to active participation in World War II. The film begins with an idealized portrayal of American history, celebrating its diverse immigrant roots and foundational ideals, though notably omitting the Civil War. It meticulously charts the shift in public opinion through a series of Gallup polls, illustrating a dramatic change from a near-unanimous desire to stay out of European conflicts in 1936 to a strong pro-Allied sentiment by 1941, spurred by global events like the invasion of Manchuria and the Fall of France. The film employs animated maps and diagrams to underscore the strategic imperative for American involvement, framing it as a matter of self-defense against the Axis powers. Recognized for its cultural significance, the U.S. Library of Congress selected "War Comes to America" for preservation in the National Film Registry. As part of the Army Pictorial Services' output, this historical document is in the public domain, accessible for viewing and study.