Introduction: History repeating itself -- Shifting gears -- A laying on of hands -- Methods short of war -- Redefining neutrality -- The sphinx -- A year of consequence -- A hurricane of events -- The republicans appear on stage -- FDR decides -- Preparing for the big show -- Chicago: Following the script -- Chicago: Unscripted -- Drafts and destroyers -- The politics of war -- To the finish line -- Epilogue: The mandate.