Radio was an important communication device prior to television's availability. On September 3, 1939 radio listeners heard Britain and France declare war on Germany. The United States entered the second world war after Japan bombed the Naval Station Pearl Harbor located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

Journalists from different radio stations followed soldiers into battle, then reported live to listeners back home through radio waves. The President, Franklin Roosevelt directly communicated with Americans about the war's progress and encouraged them to support local war efforts.

Object Details:

Radio with large rectangular wood case of various veneers with open back, 5 push buttons, knobs and 1 cloth covered speaker.

(Manufactured by Motorola circa 1930)

Ida is listening to President Roosevelt on December 9, 1941 talk about declaring war on Japan.

Transcript of Broadcast

President Roosevelt: “My fellow Americans, the sudden criminal attacks perpetrated by the Japanese in the Pacific provide the climax of a decade of international immorality. Powerful and resourceful gangsters banded together to make war on a whole human race. Their challenge has now been flung at the United States of America. The Japanese have treacherously violated the long standing peace between us. Many Americans, soldiers, and sailors have been killed by enemy actions. American ships have been sunk, American airplanes have been destroyed…”