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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.
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.

America First Button

Artifact IDMO 2014.2.9
Object Type Button, Political
Maker
Date1940-1941
Mediummetal (tin), paint
Dimensionsoverall Diam 5/8 in (1.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA round, lithographed pinback button. At the center, within a white circle, is a red, white, and blue stars and stripes patriotic shield. Around the edge of the button is a wide band of red (top section) and blue (bottom section) on which is white text that reads: AMERICA / FIRST. A Chicago, Illinois union bug is printed 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
Custodial History NoteDonated to the FDR Library by Jill Spiller in 2014.
Credit LineGift of Jill Spiller
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view