Gallup Polls (1941)

1

JANUARY 4
WARPLANE PRODUCTION

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #11a

Do you think America’s warplane production is going ahead fast enough?

Yes… 28%
No… 58%
No opinion… 14%

JANUARY 3
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #3

Do you think our country’s future safety depends on England winning this war?

Yes… 68%
No… 26%
No opinion… 6%

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #5

If the United States stopped sending war materials to England, do you think England would lose the war?

Yes… 85%
No… 8%
No opinion… 7%

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K. Question #13

If a factory refuses to make defense materials for the government at a price considered reasonable by the Defense Commission, should the government take over that factory?

Yes… 71%
No… 22%
Undecided… 7%

Interviewing Date 12/2-7/40

Survey #225-K Question #7a

Should employees of industries working on defense contracts have the right to protest if they believe they are underpaid?

Yes… 69%
No… 22%
Undecided… 9%

Interviewing Date 12/2-7/40

Survey #225-K Question #7b

Should they have the right to strike if their protests are not taken care of?

Yes… 27%
No… 61%
Undecided… 12%

By Income

Yes No Undecided
Upper 17% 76% 7%
Middle 27% 64% 9%
Lower 30% 51% 19%

JANUARY 8
TAXES

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #18

To pay the cost of defense, should every American family not on relief pay an income tax based on the family’s earnings, no matter how little?

Yes… 51%
No… 41%
No opinion… 8%

By Income

Yes No No opinion
Upper 54% 38% 8%
Middle 54% 38% 8%
Lower 44% 48% 8% 
Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40
 
Survey #226-T Question #18

In order to help pay the cost of defense, should the United States Government collect a national sales tax on everything that people buy?

Yes… 42%
No…49%
No opinion… 9%

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #19

Which kind of tax would you prefer to raise money for defense – a national sales tax on everything you buy, or an income tax based upon the amount of income you receive, and collected from every family except those on relief?

Sales tax… 30%
Income tax… 54%
Both… 8%
Other… 3%
No opinion… 5%

JANUARY 10
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 1/2-7/40

Survey #227-K Question #7

Which of these two things do you think it is more important for the United States to try to do – to keep out of the war ourselves, or to help England win, even at the risk of getting into the war?

Keep out… 40%
Help England… 60%

By region

Keep out Help England
New England 37% 63%
Mid-Atlantic 37% 63%
East Central 45% 55%
West Central 45% 55%
South 24% 76%
West 34% 66% 
Interviewing Date 1/2-7/40

Survey #227-K Question #6

If you were asked to vote on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war, or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 12%
Stay out… 88%

By region

Go in Stay out
New England 13% 87%
Mid-Atlantic 13% 87%
East Central 10% 90%
West Central 9% 91%
South 17% 93%
West 14% 86% 
Interviewing Date 11/21-26/40

Survey #224-K Question #6

Do you think it was a mistake for the United States to enter World War I?

Yes… 39%
No… 42%
No opinion… 19%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 37% 44% 19%
Mid-Atlantic 37% 44% 19%
East Central 43% 35% 22%
West Central 45% 42% 13%
South 24% 55% 21%
West 42% 38% 20%

JANUARY 13
IRELAND

Interviewing Date 1/2-7/41

Survey #227-K Question #3

Would you like to see the Irish give up their neutrality and let the English use war bases along the Irish coast?

Yes… 63%
No… 16%
No opinion… 21%

Irish-Americans only

Yes… 40%
No… 52%
No opinion… 8%

JANUARY 15
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #1

Which of these two things do you think is the more important for the United States to try to do – keep out of the war ourselves, or help England win, even at the risk of war?

Roosevelt voters in 1940

Keep out… 38%
Help England… 62%

Willkie voters in 1940

Keep out… 40%
Help England… 60%

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #3

Do you think our country’s future safety depends on England winning this war?

Roosevelt voters in 1940

Yes… 72%
No… 22%
No opinion… 6%

Willkie voters in 1940

Yes… 65%
No… 30%
No opinion… 5%

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #4

If a factory refuses to make defense materials for the government at a price considered reasonable by the Defense Commission, should the government take over that factory?

Roosevelt voters in 1940

Yes… 79%
No… 15%
No opinion… 6%

Willkie voters in 1940

Yes… 64%
No… 31%
No opinion… 5%

JANUARY 17
AID TO ENGLAND

Interviewing Date 1/2-7/41

Survey #227-K Question #2a

Since the English have lost many ships, they may not be able to come and get the war materials we make for them. If this proves to be the case, should American ships with American crews be used to carry war materials to England?

Yes… 42%
No… 45%
No opinion… 13%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 39% 47% 14%
Mid-Atlantic 39% 47% 14%
East Central 38% 50% 12%
West Central 38% 49% 13%
South 58% 26% 16%
West 45% 42% 13% 
Interviewing Date 1/2-7/41

Survey #227-K Question #2b

Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: If American ships and American crews are used to carry war materials to England, should these ships be guarded by our navy while crossing?

Yes… 82%
No… 12%
No opinion… 6%

JANUARY 19
DEFENSE PRODUCTION

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #15b

If it would help speed up the defense program, would you be willing to work more hours per week at the same rate of pay per hour as you are getting now?

Yes… 68%
No… 27%
No opinion… 5%

JANUARY 20
DEFENSE WORK

Interviewing Date 1/2-7/41

Survey #227-K Question #4b

Would you personally be willing to spend an hour each day training for home-guard, nursing, first-aid work, ambulance driving, or other defense work?

Yes… 67%
No… 22%
No opinion… 11%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 70% 20% 10%
Mid-Atlantic 70% 20% 10%
East Central 65% 25% 10%
West Central 57% 25% 18%
South 71% 18% 11%
West 70% 20% 10%

JANUARY 22
LEND-LEASE

Interviewing Date 1/11-16/41

Survey #228-K Question #4

If the British are unable to pay cash for war materials bought in this country, should our government lend or lease war materials to the British, to be paid back in the same materials and other goods after the war is over?

Approve… 68%
Disapprove… 26%
Undecided… 6%

By political affiliation

Yes No No opinion
Democrats 74% 20% 6%
Republicans 62% 32% 6%

JANUARY 27
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S POPULARITY

Interviewing Date 1/11-16/41

Survey #228-K Question #9c

In general, do you approve or disapprove of Franklin Roosevelt as President?

Approve… 71%
Disapprove… 29%
No opinion… 9%

JANUARY 31
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 1/11-16/41

Survey #228-K Question #8

Which of these two things do you think England should do now – try to make the best possible peace now with Germany, or keep on fighting in the hope of defeating Germany?

Make peace now… 15%
Keep on fighting… 79%
No opinion… 6%

2

FEBRUARY 2
NATIONAL DEFENSE TRAINING

Interviewing Date 1/2-7/41

Survey #227-K Question #5a

Do you think that boys between the ages of 16 and 21, who are out of high school, should spend one year in a training camp learning things useful to our defense program?

Yes… 79%
No… 14%
No opinion… 7%

Interviewing Date 1/2-7/41

Survey #227-K Question #5b

Do you think that girls between the ages of 16 and 21, who are out of high school, should spend one year in a training camp learning things useful to our defense program?

Yes… 56%
No… 34%
No opinion… 10%

FEBRUARY 3
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 12/2-7/40

Survey #225-K Question #5

If you were asked to vote on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 15%
Stay out… 85%
No opinion… 9%

FEBRUARY 5
SENDING TROOPS OVERSEAS

Interviewing Date 12/18-23/40

Survey #226-K Question #9

Should a vote of the people be required before Congress can send men to fight overseas?

Yes… 52%
No… 48%
No opinion… 5%

Men ages 21-36 only

Yes… 52%
No… 48%

FEBRUARY 10
LEND-LEASE

Interviewing Date 1/24-29/41

Survey #229-K Question #4b

Do you think Congress should pass the President’s Lend-Lease Bill?

Yes… 54%
No… 22%
Qualified… 15%
No opinion… 9%

By political affiliation

Yes No Qualified No opinion
Democrats 69% 13% 10% 8%
Republicans 38% 30% 23% 9%

By region

Yes No Qualified No opinion
New England 54% 21% 16% 9%
Mid-Atlantic 54% 21% 16% 9%
East Central 39% 35% 17% 9%
West Central 53% 22% 15% 10%
South 77% 8% 10% 5%
West 55% 20% 16% 9%

FEBRUARY 16
BLACKOUTS

Interviewing Date 1/24-29/41

Survey #229-K Question #6

New York City is planning to have a practice blackout next month. Do you think all towns and cities in your state should have practice blackouts every few months?

Yes… 42%
No… 45%
No opinion… 13%

FEBRUARY 17
NEUTRALITY

Special Survey

If American ships with American crews are used to carry war materials to Britain and some of them are sunk by the Germans on the way over, would you be in favor of going to war against Germany?

Yes… 27%
No… 61%
No opinion… 12%

FEBRUARY 19
LOTTERIES

Interviewing Date 1/11-16/41

Survey #228-K Question #8

Would you favor lotteries in this country run by the federal government to help pay some of the cost of national defense?

Yes… 51%
No… 38%
No opinion… 11%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 60% 30% 10%
Mid-Atlantic 60% 30% 10%
East Central 50% 39% 11%
West Central 39% 46% 15%
South 45% 40% 15%
West 47% 43% 10%

FEBRUARY 21
SOUTH AMERICA

Special Survey

If Brazil, Argentina, Chile, or any other Central or South American country is actually attacked by any European power, do you think the United States should fight to keep that European power out?

Yes… 86%
No… 14%
No opinion… 8%

Which of the following statements best describes Central and South America? (on card)

Central and South America have very few natural resources such as good farm land, oil, coal, silver, gold, water-power, etc., and will probably always be poor, weak, and backward… 8%

Central and South America have many natural resources and some time may become fairly wealthy and strong… 33%

Central and South America have many natural resources and probably will become very wealthy and powerful… 48%

Don’t know… 11%

Do you think Germany will try to get control of Central and South American countries?

Yes…50%
Germany is already trying… 38%
No… 7%
Don’t know… 5%

Do you think it is important for the United States to keep Germany from getting more influence or control over Central and South American countries than she now has?

Yes… 93%
No… 4%
No opinion… 3%

Do you think the United States should lend money to Central and South American countries to help them build up their industries, railroads, and defenses?

Yes… 58%
Qualified opinion… 12%
No… 22%
No opinion… 8%

FEBRUARY 22
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: What are your thoughts when you hear there has been a very heavy air-raid?

Wonder how bombed people are getting on… 28%
Intensify our bombing of German military targets… 24%
Bomb German civilians in retaliation… 22%
Get better protection for people in this country… 16%
Find some way to end war… 10%

Asked in Great Britain: Are you sleeping less than before the war?

Yes… 44%
No… 52%
Don’t know… 4%

FEBRUARY 24
JAPAN

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-T Question #7a

Do you think the United States should try to keep Japan from seizing the Dutch East Indies and Singapore?

Yes… 56%
No… 24%
No opinion… 20%

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-T Question #7b

Do you think the United States should risk war with Japan, if necessary, in order to keep Japan from taking the Dutch East Indies and Singapore?

Yes… 39%
No… 46%
No opinion… 15%

FEBRUARY 28
LEND-LEASE

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-K Question #lb

Do you think Congress should pass the President’s Lease-Lend Bill?

Yes… 55%
No… 20%
Qualified… 11%
No opinion… 14%

By political affiliation

Yes No Qualified No opinion
Democrats 67% 13% 6% 14%
Republicans 41% 28% 18% 13%
1 Like
3

MARCH 3
WENDELL WILLKIE

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-K Question #10c

Do you think Wendell Willkie would have made a good President if he had been elected last November?

Yes… 60%
No… 40%

By political affiliation

Yes No
Democrats 39% 61%
Republicans 85% 15%

MARCH 5
POSTWAR PEACE

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-K Question #6a

Have you given any thought to what should be done to maintain world peace after the present European war is over?

Yes… 34%
No… 66%

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-K Question #6b

Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: In your opinion, what should be done?

The following are listed according to frequency of mention:

  • An international federation.
  • Moral, social, and political reform based on toleration and Christian principles.
  • Divide Germany among the victors.

MARCH 8
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: Do you think the United States should take part in the peace settlement after the war?

Should… 65%
Should not… 15%
No opinion… 20%

Asked in Great Britain: Was Erie right in refusing to allow Britain to use naval bases like Cobh, Berehaven, and Lough Swilly?

Yes… 14%
No… 62%
No opinion… 24%

MARCH 10
LEND-LEASE

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-K Question #1b

Do you think Congress should pass the Lend-Lease Bill?

Yes No Qualified No opinion
Well-informed voters 59% 21% 17% 3%
Fairly well-informed voters 58% 22% 14% 6%
Uninformed voters 53% 23% 6% 18% 
Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey 1230-K Question #1c

If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war or to stay out of the war?

Go in Stay out No opinion
Well-informed voters 17% 78% 5%
Fairly well-informed voters 13% 81% 6%
Uninformed voters 12% 78% 10%

The voters were classified well-informed if they correctly answered five of the following questions, fairly informed if they correctly answered two to five, uninformed if they answered less than two.

  1. Can you tell me the name of the country where the armies of Greece and Italy are fighting?

Correct (Albania)… 55%

  1. Can you name four leaders of European countries and tell me what country each one heads?

Correct… 62%

  1. Can you tell me the five countries that Germany has conquered since the war began?

Correct… 54%

  1. Can you tell me what country controls Gibraltar?

Correct… 68%

  1. About how many miles would you say it is from London to Berlin?

Correct (600 miles)… 27%

  1. How many years has Hitler been in power?

Correct (8 years)… 47%

MARCH 14
JAPAN

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-T Question #7a

Do you think the United States should risk war with Japan, if necessary, to keep Japan from taking the Dutch East Indies and Singapore?

Yes… 40%
No… 39%
No opinion… 21%

MARCH 16
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S POPULARITY

Interviewing Date 2/16-21/41

Survey #230-K Question #11c

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the way Franklin Roosevelt is handling his fob as President today?

Approve… 72%
Disapprove… 28%
No opinion… 6%

MARCH 19
HEALTH

Interviewing Date 2/28-3/5/41

Survey #231-K Question #4a

The army has been rejecting volunteers and draftees who have not been able to pass the physical examination because they have bad teeth. Do you think the army should accept these men for duty and fix their teeth before they begin training?

Yes… 80%
No… 13%
No opinion… 7%

Interviewing Date 2/28-3/5/41

Survey #231-K Question #4b

Do you think men who have a venereal disease that can be cured should be accepted by the army and placed in special camps until they are cured before starting training?

Yes… 65%
No… 25%
No opinion… 10%

MARCH 21
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 3/9-14/41

Survey #232-K Question #8a

If you were asked to vote on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote — to go into the war, or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 17%
Stay out… 83%

The Southern states show the highest vote for war, 20%, and the West Central states the lowest, 14%.

MARCH 23
LEASING DESTROYERS TO ENGLAND

Interviewing Date 3/9-14/41

Survey #232-K Question #2

Would you approve or disapprove of the United States leasing about 40 additional destroyers to England?

Approve… 52%
Disapprove… 26%
No opinion… 22%

Interviewing Date 3/9-14/41

Survey #232-T Question #2

Would you approve or disapprove of the United States leasing about five destroyers a month to England?

Approve… 55%
Disapprove… 25%
No opinion… 20%

MARCH 24
DEFENSE PRODUCTION

Interviewing Date 3/9-14/41

Survey #232-K Question #5a

Do you think America’s production of arms, airplanes, and other war materials is going ahead fast enough?

Yes… 30%
No… 53%
No opinion… 17%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 30% 50% 20%
Mid-Atlantic 30% 50% 20%
East Central 30% 57% 13%
West Central 35% 47% 18%
South 21% 63% 16%
West 29% 53% 18% 
Interviewing Date 3/9-14/41

Survey #232-K Question #5b

Asked of those who replied in the negative: What do you think is the chief reason why production isn’t going ahead faster?

Strikes… 52%
Politics and red tape… 11%
Shortage of plants and materials… 6%
Lack of organization… 5%
Lack of public interest… 4%
Shortage of skilled labor… 3%
Sabotage… 3%
Profit-seeking businessmen… 2%
Others… 2%
No opinion… 12%

4

APRIL 6
WORLD WAR I

Interviewing Date 1/24-29/41

Survey #229-K Question #3

Do you think it was a mistake for the United States to enter the last war?

Yes… 39%
No… 43%
No opinion… 18%

APRIL 7
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 3/9-14/41

Survey #232-K Question #10

Which of these two things do you think is the more important for the United States to try to do – to keep out of war ourselves, or to help England win, even at the risk of getting into the war?

Keep out… 33%
Help England… 67%

APRIL 9
WAGE AND PRICE CONTROLS

Interviewing Date 3/21-26/41

Survey #233-K Question #3a

Would you like to see the federal government fix prices so that as long as the war in Europe lasts everything you buy will cost the same as it does now?

Yes… 68%
No… 32%
No opinion… 9%

By occupation

Yes No
Businessmen 53% 47%
Farmers 61% 39%
White collar 68% 32%
Skilled, semiskilled, unskilled 80% 20% 
Interviewing Date 3/21-26/41

Survey #233-K Question #3b

Would you like to see the federal government keep all salaries and wages at the present level so that nobody’s wage could be cut and nobody could get an increase as long as they did the same kind of work, until the present war in Europe is over?

Yes… 52%
No… 48%
No opinion… 12%

By occupation

Yes No
Businessmen 42% 58%
Farmers 55% 45%
White collar 47% 53%
Skilled, semiskilled, unskilled 57% 43%

APRIL 11
MOST IMPORTANT BRITISH PROBLEM

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: What do you consider the most important war problem the British Government must solve this winter?

Shipping losses and food supply… 44%
Night bombing… 8%
Preparation for an offensive… 7%
Others… 41%

APRIL 18
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S POPULARITY

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #24c

In general, do you approve or disapprove today of Franklin Roosevelt as President?

Approve… 73%
Disapprove… 27%
No opinion… 6%

APRIL 21
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 3/21-26/41

Survey #233-K Question #4

Do you think the United States should send part of our army to Europe to help the British?

Yes… 17%
No… 79%
No opinion… 4%

Interviewing Date 3/21-26/41

Survey #233-K Question #5b

Do you think the United States should send part of our air force with American pilots to Europe to help the British?

Yes… 24%
No… 69%
No opinion… 7%

Interviewing Date 3/21-26/41

Survey #233-K Question #5a

Do you think the United States should send part of our warships manned by American sailors to Europe to help the British?

Yes… 27%
No… 67%
No opinion… 6%

APRIL 23
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #3

Should the United States Navy be used to guard ships carrying war materials to Britain?

Yes… 41%
No… 50%
No opinion… 9%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 41% 49% 10%
Mid-Atlantic 41% 49% 10%
East Central 35% 56% 9%
West Central 33% 58% 9%
South 59% 30% 11%
West 42% 52% 6% 
Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #7

If it appears certain that Britain will be defeated unless we use part of our navy to protect ships going to Britain, would you favor or oppose such convoys?

Favor… 71%
Oppose… 21%
No opinion… 8%

APRIL 25
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #6a

Which side do you think will win the war – Germany and Italy, or England?

Germany and Italy… 11%
England… 57%
Stalemate… 8%
No opinion… 24%

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #13

Do you think Britain should try to get together with Germany to work out some sort of peace, or do you think Britain should go on fighting?

Make peace… 29%
Go on fighting… 71%
No opinion… 9%

APRIL 27
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #1a

Do you think the United States will go into the war in Europe sometime before it’s over, or do you think we will stay out of the war?

Will go in… 82%
Will stay out… 18%

APRIL 28
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #8a

If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war, or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 19%
Stay out… 81%

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #8b

If it appeared certain that there was no other way to defeat Germany and Italy except for the United States to go to war against them, would you be in favor of the United States going to war?

Yes… 68%
No… 24%
No opinion… 8%

APRIL 30
LABOR STRIKES

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #15

When workers in a factory working on defense contracts vote to go on strike, do you think they should be required by law to wait for 60 days before the strike can start?

Yes… 89%
No… 11%
No opinion… 8%

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #18

A bill has been proposed that would treat any worker who goes on strike in a defense industry as a traitor, to be punished by one year in prison. Would you like to see Congress pass such a law?

Yes… 37%
No… 63%
No opinion… 9%

5

MAY 2
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #4

If the United States Navy is used to guard merchant ships crossing the Atlantic, and some of our warships are sunk by German submarines, would you be in favor of going to war against Germany?

Yes… 40%
No… 50%
No opinion… 10%

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-T Question #5

If the United States sends merchant ships to Britain with war materials, and some of them are sunk by German submarines, would you be in favor of going to war against Germany?

Yes… 34%
No… 58%
No opinion… 8%

MAY 3
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 4/10-15/41

Survey #234-K Question #12

Do you think Britain will call for help from the American army before the war is over?

Yes… 57%
No… 20%
Is already… 14%
No opinion… 9%

MAY 9
CHARLES LINDBERGH

Interviewing Date 4/27-5/1/41

Survey #235-K Question #15a

Are you familiar with the views which Charles Lindbergh has expressed concerning American foreign policy?

Yes… 58%
No… 42%

Interviewing Date 4/27-5/1/41

Survey #235-K Question #15b

Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: Do you agree or disagree with what Charles Lindbergh says?

Agree… 24%
Disagree… 63%
No opinion… 13%

MAY 10
CANADA

Interviewing Date 4/27-5/1/41

Survey #235-K Question #14

If Canada is actually invaded by any European power, do you think the United States should use its army and navy to aid Canada?

Yes… 90%
No… 5%
No opinion… 5%

MAY 12
THE DRAFT

Interviewing Date 4/27-5/1/41

Survey #235-K Question #1

At present men between the ages of 18 and 21 are not drafted. Do you think the law should be changed so that men between the ages of 18 and 21 would be included in the draft, along with those from 21 to 35?

Yes… 51%
No… 44%
No opinion… 5%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 53% 41% 6%
Mid-Atlantic 53% 41% 6%
East Central 56% 38% 6%
West Central 53% 44% 3%
South 45% 51% 4%
West 47% 49% 4%

By sex

Yes No No opinion
Men 58% 37% 5%
Women 43% 52% 5%

MAY 14
SOUTH AMERICA

Special Survey

If Brazil, Argentina, Chile, or any other Central or South American country is actually attacked by any European power, do you think the United States should fight to keep that European power out?

Yes… 86%
No… 14%
No opinion… 6%

MAY 16
BOMBING OF GERMANY

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: Would you approve or disapprove if the R.A.F, adopted a policy of bombing the civilian population of Germany?

Approve… 53%
Disapprove… 38%
Undecided… 9%

MAY 16
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #7

If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 21%
Stay out… 79%
No opinion… 5%

By state

Go in Stay out
Wisconsin 14% 86%
Minnesota 15% 85%
Iowa 15% 85%
Indiana 15% 85%
Ohio 15% 85%
Massachusetts 17% 83%
New Hampshire 17% 83%
Illinois 17% 83%
Michigan 18% 82%
Nebraska 18% 82%
South Dakota 18% 82%
Connecticut 19% 81%
Kansas 20% 80%
North Dakota 21% 79%
Maine 21% 79%
Rhode Island 22% 78%
Pennsylvania 22% 78%
Washington 22% 78%
Vermont 23% 77%
New Jersey 23% 77%
Missouri 23% 77%
South Carolina 23% 77%
California 23% 77%
New York 24% 76%
New Mexico 24% 76%
Nevada 24% 76%
Delaware 25% 75%
Oklahoma 25% 75%
Louisiana 26% 74%
Tennessee 26% 74%
Montana 26% 74%
Utah 26% 74%
Maryland 27% 73%
West Virginia 27% 73%
Kentucky 27% 73%
Idaho 27% 73%
Oregon 27% 73%
Georgia. 28% 72%
Arkansas 28% 72%
Virginia 28% 72%
Mississippi 28% 72%
Colorado 28% 72%
North Carolina 29% 71%
Alabama 29% 71%
Texas 29% 71%
Wyoming 29% 71%
Arizona 33% 67%
Florida 35% 65%

MAY 21
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #5a

Should the United States Navy be used to guard ships carrying war materials to Britain?

Yes… 52%
No… 41%
No opinion… 7%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 55% 38% 7%
Mid-Atlantic 55% 38% 7%
East Central 43% 50% 7%
West Central 42% 50% 8%
South 74% 20% 6%
West 51% 44% 5%

MAY 23
THE DRAFT

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #10a

Do you think the draft has been handled fairly in your community?

Yes… 93%
No… 7%
No opinion… 11%

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #11

Do you think big league baseball players should be exempted from the draft until the present season is over?

Yes… 16%
No… 84%

Baseball fans only

Yes… 21%
No… 79%

Those stating they follow big-league baseball regularly.

MAY 24
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #13

Do you think President Roosevelt has gone too far in his policies of helping Britain, or not far enough?

Too far… 21%
About right… 59%
Not far enough… 20%

Roosevelt voters in 1940

Too far… 11%
About right… 66%
Not far enough… 23%

Willkie voters in 1940

Too far… 34%
About right… 49%
Not far enough… 17%

MAY 28
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 5/22-27/41

Survey #237-K Question #2a

If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war, or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 20%
Stay out… 80%

Families with men ages 16-24

Go in… 22%
Stay out…78%

Interviewing Date 4/27-5/1/41

Survey #235-K Question #9b

If it appeared certain that there was no other way of defeating Germany and Italy, except for the United States to go to war against them, would you be in favor of the United States going into the war?

Yes… 66%
No… 34%

Families with men ages 16-24

Yes… 68%
No… 32%

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-T Question #1

Which of these two things do you think is more important for the United States to try to do – to keep out of war ourselves, or to help England even at the risk of getting into the war?

Keep out… 39%
Help England… 61%

Families with men ages 16-24

Keep out… 38%
Help England… 62%

MAY 31
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #8

If Germany and Italy should defeat Britain in the present war, do you think Germany and Italy would start a war against the United States within the next 10 years?

Yes… 62%
No… 29%
No opinion… 9%

Interviewing Date 4/27-5/1/41

Survey #235-K Question #2

Do you think the United States will go into the war in Europe sometime before it is over, or do you think we will stay out of the war?

We are already in… 13%
We will go in… 64%
We will stay out… 14%
No opinion… 9%

Families with men ages 16-24

We are already in… 12%
We will go in… 65%
We will stay out… 14%
No opinion… 9%

Interviewing Date 5/22-27/41

Survey #237-K Question #1a

Should the United States Navy be used to guard ships carrying war materials to Britain?

Yes… 52%
No… 40%
No opinion… 8%

Families with men ages 16-24

Yes… 52%
No… 42%
No opinion… 6%

1 Like
6

JUNE 2
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 5/8-13/41

Survey #236-K Question #6

Would you rather see Britain surrender to Germany than have the United States go into the war?

Yes… 26%
No… 62%
No opinion… 12%

JUNE 4
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 5/22-27/41

Survey #237-K Question #1a

Should the United States Navy be used to guard ships carrying war materials to Britain?

Yes… 52%
No… 40%
No opinion… 8%

By state

Yes No No opinion
New York 50% 44% 6%
Pennsylvania 52% 41% 7%
Illinois 46% 48% 6%
Ohio 48% 43% 9%
California 50% 44% 6%

JUNE 5
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA

Special Survey

Asked in New York City: If Fiorello La Guardia runs for reelection as mayor next fall, will you vote for or against him?

For… 59%
Against… 26%
No opinion… 15%

Roosevelt voters in 1940

For… 71%
Against… 16%
No opinion… 13%

Willkie voters in 1940

For… 43%
Against… 40%
No opinion… 17%

JUNE 7
WAR WORK FOR BRITISH WOMEN

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: Do you approve or disapprove of women being compelled to do war work?

Approve… 72%
Disapprove… 23%
Undecided… 5%

JUNE 9
LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Interviewing Date 5/22-27/41

Survey #237-K Question #6

Would you like to see the United States join a league of nations after this war is over?

Yes… 51%
No… 49%
No opinion… 11%

By region

Yes No
New England 52% 48%
Mid-Atlantic 52% 48%
East Central 46% 54%
West Central 48% 52%
South 52% 48%
West 51% 49%

By income

Yes No
Upper 53% 47%
Middle 48% 52%
Lower 49% 51%

Roosevelt voters in 1940

Yes… 53%
No… 47%

Willkie voters in 1940

Yes… 43%
No… 57%

JUNE 11
LABOR STRIKES

Interviewing Date 5/31-6/4/41

Survey 238-K Question #13b

Do you think business leaders are helping the national defense production program as much as they should?

Yes… 42%
No… 41%
No opinion… 17%

JUNE 15
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 6/9-14/41

Survey #239-K Question #2

Do you think the United States Navy should be used to guard ships carrying materials to Britain?

Yes… 55%
No… 38%
No opinion… 7%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 55% 38% 7%
Mid-Atlantic 55% 38% 7%
East Central 48% 44% 8%
West Central 49% 45% 6%
South 75% 17% 8%
West 53% 39% 8% 
Interviewing Date 5/22-27/41

Survey #237-K Question #4

As far as you are personally concerned, do you think President Roosevelt has gone too far in his policies of helping Britain or not far enough?

Too far… 23%
About right… 55%
Not far enough… 22%

JUNE 18
COMMUNIST PARTY

Interviewing Date 5/22-27/41

Survey #237-K Question #8

Do you think membership in the Communist party in this country should be forbidden by law?

Yes… 71%
No… 22%
No opinion… 7%

By income

Yes No No opinion
Upper 70% 28% 2%
Middle 71% 24% 5%
Lower 72% 16% 12%

JUNE 20
SENDING SOLDIERS OVERSEAS

Interviewing Date 5/31-6/4/41

Survey #238-K Question #9

Should a vote of the people be required before Congress can send men to fight overseas?

Yes… 56%
No… 44%
No opinion… 6%

JUNE 27
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S POPULARITY

Interviewing Date 6/9-14/41

Survey #239-K Question #11c

In general, do you approve or disapprove of the way Franklin Roosevelt is handling his job as President today?

Approve… 76%
Disapprove… 24%
No opinion… 5%

JUNE 29
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 6/9-14/41

Survey #239-K Question #4a

If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war now against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war now or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 24%
Stay out…76%
No opinion… 9%

JUNE 27
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Government’s conduct of the war?

Satisfied… 58%
Dissatisfied… 30%
Undecided… 12%

7

JULY 2
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: Would you approve or disapprove if the British Government were to discuss peace proposals with Germany now?

Approve… 12%
Disapprove… 82%
No opinion… 6%

JULY 9
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #2

Should the United States enter the war now?

Yes… 21%
No… 79%

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #1

Do you think the United States Navy should be used to convoy ships carrying war materials to Britain?

Yes… 56%
No… 35%
No opinion… 9%

JULY 11
AID TO ENGLAND

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K. Question #4a

Has the new war between Germany and Russia changed your attitude toward helping Britain?

Yes… 12%
No… 83%
Undecided… 5%

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #4b

Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: Are you now more in favor or less in favor of aiding Britain?

More in favor… 8%
Less in favor… 4%

JULY 12
BRITISH POLITICS

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: If anything should happen to Mr. Churchill, whom do you think would be the best man to take his place as Prime Minister?

Eden… 37%
Bevin… 7%
Beaverbrook… 7%
Hore-Belisha… 4%
Lloyd George… 3%
Halifax… 2%
Morrison… 2%
Attlee… 1%
Others, no opinion… 37%

JULY 14
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #6a

In the present war between Germany and Russia, which side would you like to see win?

Germany… 4%
Russia… 72%
No difference… 17%
No opinion… 7%

By income

Germany Russia No difference, no opinion
Upper 5% 72% 23%
Middle 4% 73% 23%
Lower 3% 72% 25%

By religion

Germany Russia No difference, no opinion
Catholics 6% 65% 29%
Protestants 3% 74% 23% 
Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #6b

Which side do you think will win the war?

Germany… 47%
Russia… 22%
Stalemate… 8%
No opinion… 23%

JULY 16
WORLD WAR I

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #10a

Do you happen to have any idea how much money the United States spent in World War I?

Yes… 15%
No… 85%

The estimated cost of the war is approximately $33 billion. Five per cent were able to name a figure between $18 billion and $45 billion.

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #10c

If we go into the war, would you say that it will cost our country more money or less money than World War I?

More… 87%
Less… 1%
About the same… 5%
No opinion… 7%

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #10d

If we go into the war, would you say that we will have more soldiers and sailors killed, or fewer, than in World War I?

More… 45%
Fewer… 31%
About the same… 9%
No opinion… 15%

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #10b

Do you happen to have any idea how many Americans were killed as a result of World War I?

Yes… 21%
No… 79%

Army and Navy records list 50,510 killed. 6% named a figure between 40,000 and 60,000.

JULY 20
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #2

If you were asked to vote today on the question of the United States entering the war now against Germany and Italy, how would you vote – to go into the war now or to stay out of the war?

Go in… 21%
Stay out… 79%

Persons listed in Who’s Who in America

Go in… 45%
Stay out… 55%

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #1

Do you think the United States Navy should be used to convoy ships carrying war materials to Britain?

Yes… 56%
No… 35%
No opinion… 9%

Persons listed in Who’s Who in America

Yes… 64%
No… 29%
No opinion… 7%

Interviewing Date 6/26-7/1/41

Survey #240-K Question #3

So far as you are personally concerned, do you think President Roosevelt has gone too far in his policies of helping Britain or not far enough?

Too far… 23%
About right… 55%
Not far enough… 22%

Persons listed in Who’s Who in America

Too far… 16%
About right… 53%
Not far enough… 31%

JULY 23
BRITISH VIEWS ON WAR PRODUCTION

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: Do you think that we are producing in our factories the greatest possible amount of war material?

Yes… 21%
No… 54%
No opinion… 25%

Asked in Great Britain: Do you think America’s production of arms, airplanes, and other war materials is going ahead fast enough?

Yes… 30%
No… 53%
No opinion… 17%

Asked in Great Britain: Do you think the United States will eventually come into the war?

Yes… 72%
No… 14%
No opinion… 14%

JULY 25
ICELAND

Interviewing Date 7/11-16/41

Survey #241-K Question #8

Do you approve or disapprove of the government’s action in taking over the defense of Iceland?

Approve… 61%
Disapprove… 17%
No opinion… 22%

JULY 28
WENDELL WILLKIE

Interviewing Date 7/11-16/41

Survey #241-K Question #12a

Has your opinion of Wendell Willkie changed since the election?

Yes… 39%
No… 61%

Interviewing Date 7/11-16/41

Survey #241-K Question #12b

Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: Do you like him better or not as well as then?

Like him better… 20%
Like him less… 19%
Haven’t changed opinion… 39%

By political affiliation

Like him better Like him less Haven’t changed opinion
Democrats 30% 7% 63%
Republicans 9% 38% 53%
8

AUGUST 2
POSTWAR LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Special Survey

Asked of a cross section of people listed in Who’s Who in America: Would you like to see the United States join a league of nations after the war is over?

Yes… 61%
No… 23%
No opinion… 16%

AUGUST 6
THE DRAFT

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #1

Do you think drafted men should be kept in active service for longer than one year, or should they be released at the end of one year?

Should be kept… 50%
Should be released… 45%
No opinion… 5%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 51% 44% 5%
Mid-Atlantic 51% 44% 5%
East Central 39% 56% 5%
West Central 44% 52% 4%
South 63% 32% 5%
West 57% 36% 7% 
Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #2

The army has asked Congress to change the law that says drafted men cannot be sent to fight outside the Western Hemisphere. Do you think Congress should give the army power to sent drafted men to points outside the Western Hemisphere?

Yes… 37%
No… 50%
No opinion… 13%

AUGUST 11
INCOME TAX

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #12a

In order to help pay for defense, the government will be forced to increase income taxes. If you were the one to decide, how much income tax, if any, would you ask a typical family of four with an income of $1,000 to pay?

Average

If public set tax rate… $6
(Proposed federal tax rate… $0)

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #12b

In order to help pay for defense, the government will be forced to increase income taxes. If you were the one to decide, how much income tax, if any, would you ask a typical family of four with an income of $3,000 to pay?

Average

If public set tax rate… $140
(Proposed federal tax rate… $11)

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #12c

In order to help pay for defense, the government will be forced to increase income taxes. If you were the one to decide, how much income tax, if any, would you ask a typical family of four with an income of $10,000 to pay?

Average

If public set tax rate… $1,123
(Proposed federal tax rate… $998)

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #12d

In order to help pay for defense, the government will be forced to increase income taxes. If you were the one to decide, how much income tax, if any, would you ask a typical family of four with an income of $100,000 to pay?

Average

If public set tax rate… $24,000
(Proposed federal tax rate… $52,738)

AUGUST 13
THE AIR FORCE

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #6

At present the air force is a part of both the Army and Navy and not a separate branch of our armed forces. Do you think the air force should be made a separate branch of the armed forces?

Yes… 42%
No… 33%
No opinion… 25%

AUGUST 16
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 7/31-8/4/41

Survey #243-K Question #7

In the war between Britain and Germany, do you think the Vichy government is helping one side rather than the other?

Vichy is helping Germany… 58%
Vichy is helping Britain… 4%
Vichy is neutral… 13%
No opinion… 25%

AUGUST 18
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 7/31-8/4/41

Survey #243-K Question #4

If the United States does enter the war against Germany and Italy, do you think it will be necessary to send our army to Europe to fight?

Yes… 65%
No… 30%
No opinion… 5%

AUGUST 20
DEFENSE PRODUCTION

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #7a

Do you think America’s production of arms, airplanes, and other war materials is going ahead fast enough?

Yes… 39%
No… 43%
No opinion… 18%

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #7b

Asked of those who responded in the negative: What do you think is the chief reason why production isn’t going ahead faster?

Strikes and labor disputes… 48%
Poor administration… 18%
Sabotage… 6%
Lack of materials… 4%
Sending too much material abroad… 3%
Lack of plants and equipment… 3%
Lack of enthusiasm in plants… 3%
Graft… 2%
Others… 10%
No opinion… 3%

AUGUST 22
INSTALLMENT BUYING

Interviewing Date 8/7-12/41

Survey #244-K Question #7a

As one way to help defense production, it has been suggested that the Government forbid installment buying until the war in Europe is over. Do you approve or disapprove of this suggestion?

Approve… 43%
Disapprove… 49%
No opinion… 8%

By income

Approve Disapprove No opinion
Upper 48% 48% 4%
Middle 43% 50% 7%
Lower 41% 49% 10% 
Interviewing Date 8/7-12/41

Survey #244-K Question #7b

Are you paying for anything on the installment plan?

Yes… 36%
No… 64%

AUGUST 23
LEAGUE OF NATIONS

Interviewing Date 7/31-8/4/41

Survey #243-K Question #5

Do you think the United States should have joined the League of Nations after the last war?

Yes… 37%
No… 37%
No opinion… 26%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 39% 36% 25%
Mid-Atlantic 39% 36% 25%
East Central 35% 39% 26%
West Central 27% 45% 28%
South 39% 30% 31%
West 42% 35% 23%

AUGUST 25
PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S POPULARITY

Interviewing Date 8/7-12/41

Survey #244-K Question #11c

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Franklin Roosevelt is handling his job as President?

Approve… 73%
Disapprove… 20%
No opinion… 7%

AUGUST 27
ADMISSION TO WEST POINT AND ANNAPOLIS

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-K Question #8

Should young men who want to go to West Point or Annapolis be permitted to apply directly for entrance, or should they first be required to get an appointment from their Congressman, as at present?

Apply directly… 64%
Through Congressman… 19%
No opinion… 17%

AUGUST 29
MILITARY SALARIES

Interviewing Date 8/7-12/41

Survey #244-K Question #1

For the duration of the war, would you be in favor of the government paying an extra $30 a month to everybody in the army and navy who has been in active service for more than one year, not including officers?

Yes… 70%
No… 22%
No opinion… 8%

AUGUST 30
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: What do you think we are fighting for?

Freedom, liberty, democracy…46%
To stop fascism, to stop aggression… 14%
“It’s them or us”… 8%
A better world, for peace… 7%
We are fighting for our lives… 5%
Others… 13%
No opinion… 7%

9

SEPTEMBER 1
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 7/24-29/41

Survey #242-T Question #9

If Germany were to offer peace on the basis that she would keep only the territory won from Russia – and give up France, Scandinavia, and other conquered countries – would you favor such a peace?

Yes… 34%
No… 58%
No opinion… 8%

SEPTEMBER 3
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 8/21-26/41

Survey #245-K Question #5

Do you think the American Navy should be used to convoy ships carrying war materials to England?

Yes… 52%
No… 39%
No opinion… 9%

SEPTEMBER 5
AID FOR FREE FRENCH

Interviewing Date 8/21-26/41

Survey #245-K Question #8c

Do you think the United States should send war materials under the Lend-Lease program to the Free French forces of General de Gaulle?

Yes… 74%
No… 16%
No opinion… 10%

SEPTEMBER 6
DRAFTEE MORALE

Interviewing Date 8/21-26/41

Survey #245-K Question #1a

From what you have heard or read, do you think the morale of drafted men in the army is good or poor?

Good… 39%
Fair… 22%
Poor… 25%
No opinion… 14%

SEPTEMBER 7
JAPAN

Interviewing Date 8/21-26/41

Survey #245-K Question #13

Should the United States take steps now to keep Japan from becoming more powerful, even if it means risking a war with Japan?

Yes… 70%
No… 18%
No opinion… 12%

By region

Yes No No opinion
New England 72% 19% 9%
Mid-Atlantic 72% 19% 9%
East Central 61% 24% 15%
West Central 64% 21% 15%
South 76% 11% 13%
West 76% 14% 10%

SEPTEMBER 10
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 8/21-26/41

Survey #245-K Question #2

Which side do you think will win the war – England or Germany?

England… 69%
Germany… 6%
Stalemate, no opinion… 25%

2 Likes
10

SEPTEMBER 15
POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Special Survey

Who do you think will be the next President of the United States?

The following are listed according to frequency of mention:

  • Willkie
  • Hull
  • Dewey
  • Wallace
  • LaGuardia
  • Farley
  • Taft
  • Vandenberg
  • McNutt
  • Hoover
1 Like
11

SEPTEMBER 17
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: Do you think America will come fully into the war?

Yes… 57%
No… 23%
No opinion… 20%

Asked of those who responded in the affirmative: When do you think America will enter the war?

This year… 19%
Next summer… 25%
By end of next year… 13%

Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the amount of help the United States is giving Britain?

Satisfied… 61%
Dissatisfied… 25%
No opinion… 14%

2 Likes
12

Interesting poll. The US was pretty sure to be sucked into the war. Not sure if there is any manipulation like these days (loaded questions,preselecting the polling population etc).

2 Likes
13

SEPTEMBER 20
EUROPEAN WAR

Special Survey

Asked in Great Britain: What do you think is the most important war problem the British government must solve in the next few months?

The following are listed according to frequency of mention:

  • Invading the continent
  • Increasing speed of war production
  • Maintaining food supply
  • Fighting the bombing
  • Help to Russia
  • Checking submarine attacks and shipping losses
2 Likes
14

There were people who thought Hoover had a shot at a comeback? Anyway, all of them are far more likely than the “Senator from Pendergast.” :wink:

1 Like
15

The Pittsburgh Press (September 21, 1941)

16% OF VOTERS WOULD SWITCH TO NEW THIRD PARTY WITH PEACE AIM
…
‘Keep-Out-of-War’ organization would draw from both Democratic and Republican ranks, but GOP would stand to be harder hit
…
By George Gallup, Director, American Institute of Public Opinion

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Princeton, NJ, Sept. 20 –
So bitter is the dispute between leading isolationists and leading interventionists that some political observers have predicted that – if America is not in a shooting war next summer – there may be a full-fledged “Keep-Out-of-War” party in the Congressional elections under the direction of men like Charles A. Lindbergh, Senator Burton K. Wheeler and Senator Gerald P. Nye.

This raises the question – vital to both major parties – of how many Americans might be willing to forsake regular Democratic-Republican ranks for a third party.

The American Institute of Public Opinion has conducted a survey on the following question:

SEPTEMBER 21
NEUTRALITY

Interviewing Date 8/21-26/41

Survey #245-K Question #11b

If Lindbergh, Wheeler, Nye, and others start a “Keep-Out-of-War” party and enter candidates in the next congressional elections, would you vote for the candidate of this party?

Yes… 16%
No… 84%

The results, of course, are not an indication of anti-war sentiment in the United States today, out rather of the number of Americans willing to join a strictly anti-war third party.

Republicans lose most

The survey shows that while a "Keep-Out-of-War party would draw supported from both of the great traditional parties, the GOP would stand to lose more from such a development. About one person in five who voted for Wendell L. Willkie says he would support a Lindbergh-Wheeler-Nye peace party. But only one Roosevelt voter in 10 would do so.

Excepting the Democratic South, where Institute surveys have consistently shown more interventionist sentiment existing than elsewhere, there is surprisingly little difference in opinion section-by-section.

By region

Yes No
New England 18% 82%
Mid-Atlantic 18% 82%
East Central 19% 81%
West Central 17% 83%
South 9% 91%
West 13% 87%

But despite these figures – representing a larger vote than any third party has actually polled since 1924 – the survey indicates that a third party at this time, at least, would probably fall short of winning any substantial number of Congressional seats.

However, in a close Congressional race between a Democrat and a Republican, a third party candidate might well hold the balance of power.

Political observers will be quick to note two or three other conclusions of significance:

  1. The American public continues to resist “third parties” as a solution to political controversy. If the question of war-and-peace is uppermost in next year’s elections, the struggle is likely to be fought out on Republican and Democratic Party primaries – and possibly between the two major parties themselves on election day.

  2. The “extreme isolationist” wing in the United States is about the size of the “extreme interventionist” wing. A month ago, the Institute reported that 17 persons in every 100, on the average, thought the United States should enter an all-out shooting war.

  3. While the vote for a “Keep-Out-of-War” party would be a relatively small one today, there are, of course, Americans who oppose another AEF and U.S. entrance into a shooting war.

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 26, 1941)

The Gallup Poll –
56% OF PUBLIC APPROVES U.S. ‘SHOOT-ON-SIGHT’ POLICY
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First reports of new survey
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By George Gallup, Director, American Institute of Public Opinion

Princeton, NJ, Sept. 26 –
First ballots returned in a nationwide survey of public sentiment on the administration’s new “shoot-on-sight” policy indicate a sizeable majority approving that policy.

The issue which is being put to voters in every state of the Union is as follows:

SEPTEMBER 26
EUROPEAN WAR

Interviewing Date 9/19-24/41

Survey #248-K Question #6

Do you approve or disapprove of having the United States shoot at German submarines or warships on sight?

Approve… 56%
Disapprove… 34%
No opinion… 10%

Complete returns of the poll will be announced one week from today.

If the “undecided” vote in today’s results is eliminated, the division of sentiment among the remainder with opinions is 63% in favor of the shoot-on-sight policy to 37% opposed.

However, full returns are not in yet from the Midwest section, where sentiment has generally been found by the Institute to be less interventionist than in other areas.

On the other hand, the isolationist attitude of the Midwest may be offset in the total result by ballots from the Southern states – the area which to date had been the most interventionist of all the sections.

Today’s results, while not complete, comprise the first report of public sentiment on this vital issue. The percentages are in line with other recent expressions of opinion regarding the war.

For example, the American occupation of Iceland was approved by a majority of 61% in an Institute survey in July – a figure not far different from that in today’s survey.

56% for Lend-Lease

A similar proportion – 56% – favored the passage of the Lend-Lease Bill earlier in the year.

Today’s results from additional evidence to support the statement made by the Institute in August that the majority of voters are not opposed to some “shooting” if that is necessary to carry out the twin objectives of (1) bringing about Hitler’s defeat, and (2) contributing to the defense of the United States.

What the public has opposed, and still opposes, is U.S. entrance into the war in a manner that will result in sending another AEF to Europe on the scale of the 1917 experience.

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The Pittsburgh Press (September 27, 1941)

MAJORITY WILLING TO RETAIN FAST TIME

Princeton, NJ, Sept. 27 –
Hundreds of eastern communities will swing back to Standard Time tomorrow but a Gallup Poll just completed in Eastern Seaboard states indicates that a majority would vote to retain Daylight Time the entire year if the issue were submitted in an official referendum.

Pittsburgh will return to Standard Time at 2 a.m. Sunday.

Would you like to have Daylight Savings Time the entire year?

Yes… 56%
No… 44%

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SEPTEMBER 28
PERSONAL SACRIFICES

Interviewing Date 9/11-16/41

Survey #247-K Question #1a

Have you had to make any personal sacrifices or do without things as a result of the war?

Yes… 26%
No…74%
No opinion… 12%

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SEPTEMBER 29
REPUBLICAN PARTY

Interviewing Date 9/11-16/41

Survey #247-K Question #11

Asked of Republicans: Should the Republican Party support the Administration’s foreign policy, or oppose it?

Support…60%
Oppose… 23%
No opinion… 17%

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OCTOBER 1
NEUTRALITY

Interviewing Dale 9/19-24/41

Survey #248-K Question #7

Should the Neutrality Act be changed to permit American merchant ships with American crews to carry war materials to Britain?

Yes… 46%
No… 40%
No opinion… 14%

By political affiliation

Yes No No opinion
Democrats 51% 33% 16%
Republicans 42% 48% 10%
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