Americanism and the politics of commitment: The policies and ideology of the American Legion in the interwar period

"By the Constitution of the United States three branches of government were set up: the legislative, the executive and the judicial. In the last two years a fourth has been set up: the American Legion." So wrote journalist Arthur Warner in the Nation of July 6, 1921. This statement testifies to the power and range of the American Legion's activities during the interwar period. No other veterans' organization succeeded so quickly in making its presence felt, whether in federal entitlements or in being the spokesman for veterans at large.The twelve chapters of the thesis examine the organization, legislative tactics, major congressional battles and ideology of the American Legion between 1919 and 1938. Sources used include the Congressional Record, primary and secondary sources of the American Legion as well as contemporary publications.The first chapter deals with the organization and structure of the American Legion. It examines the methods of recruitment as well as the organizational outline of the veterans' group. The next four chapters of the thesis examine the role of the American Legion in the political formation of entitlements for World War veterans, especially the Bonus. Specific attention is devoted to the emergence of veterans' benefits, how and why they were enacted, and the establishment of the Veterans' Administration in these years. Chapter VI examine the fight over veterans' benefits during the Great Depression. Attention is devoted to the debate over veterans' benefits between the American Legion and such groups such as the American Medical Association and the national Chamber of Commerce.Three chapters are devoted to the ideology of the American Legion, its official concept of Americanism and attitudes towards radicalism, pacifism and militarism. The Legion's concept of "Americanism" is discussed in the context of the veterans' conception of service and patriotism. This ideology shaped their reaction towards dissent, world events and the coming of war. The next chapter deal with the American Legion's ambiguous and changing attitude toward the labor movement. The final chapter examine the legacy of the American Legion and veterans of World War II.