We the People is a rarely seen campaign film created in 1940 for Wendell Willkie’s campaign for President of the United States. Willkie was the Republican nominee, but lost by a wide margin to incumbent President Franklin Roosevelt. While the United States was officially neutral, Wendell Willkie (1892 – 1944) favored greater U.S. support for Britain and other nations threatened by the Axis powers.

Themes of this campaign film include Willkie’s working-class background, his agenda to benefit average Americans, his support for the domestic economy, and his opposition to authoritarian dictators like those in contemporary 1940s Europe. Liberty Bell ringing and outside shots of Pennsylvania State House also called Independence Hall (0:40). Re-enactor of James Madison reads the constitution of the United States (1:05). Reenactor of women speaking to Ben Franklin. He explains they have established a republic “if you can keep it so” (1:19). Footage of inside of Pennsylvania State House. As narrator explains George Washington’s farewell address (1:55). Reenactor of George Washington reads first paragraph of his farewell address (2:55). Footage of 22nd convention of the Republican Party in Philadelphia in 1940 (3:20). Harold E. Stassen, the former governor of Minnesota 1939-1943 the keynote speaker of the convention, comments on World War 2 in Europe (4:13). Footage of large crowds at the conventions (4:35). Narrator explains they “have faith” in America and believe in the founding principles of the United States (5:00). Narrator explains these are “free men and women” not compelled by a “big city machine” or corrupt politicians (5:15). Footage of crowd chanting “we want Willkie” reference to Wendell Willkie, the 1940 Republican nominee (5:25). Footage of republican chairman announcing the nomination of Wendell Willkie (6:10). Wendell Willkie and his wife Edith Willkie walk through crowd (6:30). Wendell Willkie gives acceptance speech. Emphasis on his focus of bolstering domestic economy and defense against dictatorships (7:05). Running mate and nominee for vice-president, Charles McNary of Oregon (7:20). Liberty Bell ringing (7:30). Footage of street in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, narrator discusses immigration to the United States and autocracy in Europe, upbeat marching music plays (7:50). Outside shot of Willke’s childhood home, single-family, middleclass house, with enclosed porch (8:10). Ellwood public high school shown, second house Willkie grew up in shown, narrator discusses Willkie’s everyman upbringing as well as business and personal success (8:25). Marching troops in World War 1, narrator explains Willkie military experience, soldiers departing on ship (8:40). Edith Willkie with Wendell Willkie (8:55). Willkie on a farm (9:15). Willkie delivers personal campaign statement to camera outlining key points of agenda (9:40). Willkie explains he is both a liberal and a businessman (10:18). Willkie explains he believes in free enterprise as well as market regulation, supports collective bargaining and unions (10:30). Willkie explains support for minimum wages and hour limitations (10:40). Willkie explains support for banking regulation (10:45). Support for pensions and unemployment benefits (11:00). Support for Federal Government farm subsidies (11:10). Support for rural electrification and protection of natural resources (11:25). Willkie explains he is liberal but believes in unlimited productivity and support of domestic economic enterprise (12:10). Willkie wants to accomplish this while cutting New Deal spending (12:25). Willkie explains his opposition of a third-term presidency and the “indispensable man”(13:10). Footage of Willkie riding in open top car through crowd while narrator explains his working-class background (14:15). Animation of Willkie face superimposed over United States (14:25). Narrator warns of threat from domestic radicals and foreign adversaries, and necessity of unity and support of Wendell Willkie (14:40). Marching group with America flags (14:45). Ringing Liberty Bell in end shot (15:00).

This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com