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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Defend America First Button
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Defend America First Button

Artifact IDMO 1976.46.118
Object Type Button, Political
Maker (American, 1893 - ca.1948)
Dateca. 1940
Mediumplastic (celluloid), paper, metal
Dimensionsoverall Diam 7/8 in (2.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA round pinback button. The button consists of two horizontal bands in red (top) and blue (bottom). Blue and white text reads: DEFEND / AMERICA / FIRST. The manufacturer's information and a union bug are printed on a white paper insert on the reverse of the button.
Historical NoteAt the start of World War II, most Americans wished to stay out of the conflict. This button reflects the nation’s prevailing mood of isolationism.
Additional Details
Credit LineGift of Jerome K. Wilcox
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesCampaign Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 778819)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view