How did Irish and American diplomacy operate in Washington DC and Dublin during the 1930s era of economic depression, rising fascism and Nazism? How did the Anglo–American relationship affect American–Irish diplomatic relations? Why and how did Éamon de Valera and Franklin D. Roosevelt move their countries towards neutrality in 1939? This first comprehensive history of American and Irish diplomacy during the 1930s focuses on formal and informal diplomacy, examining all aspects of diplomatic life to explain the relationship between the two administrations from 1932 to 1939. Bernadette Whelan reveals how diplomats worked on behalf of their governments to implement Franklin D. Roosevelt and Éamon de Valera's foreign policies – particularly when Éamon de Valera believed in the existence of a 'special' transatlantic relationship but Franklin D. Roosevelt increasingly favoured a strong relationship with Britain. Drawing on a wide range of under-used sources, this is a major new contribution to the history of American and Irish diplomacy and revises our understanding of the importance of Ireland to a US administration.

‘This is a terrific book. Professor Whelan explains a formative decade in US-Irish diplomatic relations that has been largely ignored, despite the shattering international events of the 1930s. She gives a brilliant inside look at the personalities and skills of diplomats at work. Highly recommended.’

Francis M. Carroll - University of Manitoba

‘Whelan provides an outstanding overview of US-Irish diplomacy in the 1930s, with an emphasis on how the personal relationships among diplomats, policymakers, and their families influenced the relationship between their respective nations during a perilous era. With the work’s focus on the importance of ‘soft power’ in international affairs providing an effective unifying theme, this is a useful contribution to the field by one of Ireland’s foremost diplomatic historians.​’

Troy Davis - Stephen F. Austin State University

'This important book highlights the mismatch between Dublin’s illusions about independent Ireland’s influence within the American foreign policy system, and the actualities of American conduct of international relations in the 1930s. Drawing on prodigious research in American, British and Irish archives, Bernadette Whelan also offers unique insights into the backgrounds, experience and outlook of American officials handling Irish affairs.’

Eunan O'Halpin - Trinity College, Dublin

'This book is meticulously researched with over 2,000 references and will be a bible for those seeking relevant information about that decade.'

Frank Macgabhann Source: Irish Examiner

‘Prof Whelan has in this book given us much detail and analysis about US-Ireland official contacts in the 1930s, a frequently neglected period. She has also thrown valuable light on the development of the young Irish diplomatic service. In doing so she has enhanced her reputation as the leading historian of the relationship between the US and Irish Governments.’

Seán Donlon Source: Irish Times

'… the larger picture that emerges from this detailed and well-researched analysis renders this an important book, which has much to say about the development of US-Irish relations in one of the most important decades of the twentieth century.'

David Woolner Source: H-Net