Lindbergh’s Vanishing Presidency

The Plot Against America

The political fantasy escalates from Lindbergh’s election to his disappearance and the breakdown of his administration.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The National Flying Tour The National Flying Tour from "The Plot Against America". The National Flying Tour Campaign spectacle Charles A. Lindbergh flies across the country in the Spirit of St.

The National Flying Tour from "The Plot Against America". The National Flying Tour Campaign spectacle Charles A. Lindbergh flies across the country in the Spirit of St.

The National Flying Tour Campaign spectacle Charles A. Lindbergh flies across the country in the Spirit of St. Louis, reviving the public’s memory of his historic flight. His appearances emphasize neutrality and personal decisiveness rather than policy detail. Popular enchantment The spectacle helps transform a controversial candidate into a seemingly inevitable leader.

Presidential Deal Making Presidential Deal Making from "The Plot Against America". Presidential Deal Making Agreements abroad The Iceland and Hawaii agreements establish a policy of accommodation with Germany and Japan.

Presidential Deal Making from "The Plot Against America". Presidential Deal Making Agreements abroad The Iceland and Hawaii agreements establish a policy of accommodation with Germany and Japan.

Presidential Deal Making Agreements abroad The Iceland and Hawaii agreements establish a policy of accommodation with Germany and Japan. Lindbergh presents neutrality as national strength, while opponents see strategic surrender. Growing isolation The policy separates the United States from nations resisting aggression.

The Ribbentrop Visit The Ribbentrop Visit from "The Plot Against America". The Ribbentrop Visit Diplomatic normalization The White House hosts Joachim von Ribbentrop, provoking protests and a public response from Franklin D.

The Ribbentrop Visit from "The Plot Against America". The Ribbentrop Visit Diplomatic normalization The White House hosts Joachim von Ribbentrop, provoking protests and a public response from Franklin D.

The Ribbentrop Visit Diplomatic normalization The White House hosts Joachim von Ribbentrop, provoking protests and a public response from Franklin D. Roosevelt. The event makes the administration’s relationship with Nazi Germany impossible to dismiss as mere neutrality. Pressure intensifies Walter Winchell turns the dinner into a national test of political conscience.

The Louisville Disappearance The Louisville Disappearance from "The Plot Against America". The Louisville Disappearance A flight without return Charles A. Lindbergh flies the Spirit of St. Louis to Louisville and vanishes on the return journey.

The Louisville Disappearance from "The Plot Against America". The Louisville Disappearance A flight without return Charles A. Lindbergh flies the Spirit of St. Louis to Louisville and vanishes on the return journey.

The Louisville Disappearance A flight without return Charles A. Lindbergh flies the Spirit of St. Louis to Louisville and vanishes on the return journey. His disappearance destabilizes public authority and opens the way for competing explanations. Immediate uncertainty The country’s emotional attachment to its president becomes a political vulnerability.

The Presidency Reversed The Presidency Reversed from "The Plot Against America". The Presidency Reversed Emergency power Burton K. Wheeler declares martial law, and accusations of a Jewish conspiracy accompany arrests and riots.

The Presidency Reversed from "The Plot Against America". The Presidency Reversed Emergency power Burton K. Wheeler declares martial law, and accusations of a Jewish conspiracy accompany arrests and riots.

The Presidency Reversed Emergency power Burton K. Wheeler declares martial law, and accusations of a Jewish conspiracy accompany arrests and riots. Anne Morrow Lindbergh challenges the government’s actions through a broadcast from hiding. Constitutional restoration Congress and the courts dismantle Wheeler’s takeover, and Franklin D. Roosevelt wins the special election.

September and October 1940

1941

spring 1942

October 7, 1942

October 9 through November 1942