Ep 74: History Repeats with Liam Carballal and guest Richard Acritelli P2 on hmTv

Episode 74: History Repeats with Liam Carballal and guest Richard Acritelli (Part 2)

In Part 2 of this compelling History Repeats episode on hmTv, host Liam Carballal is joined once again by historian and educator Richard Acritelli to explore America’s transition from isolationism to wartime readiness in the years leading up to World War II.

The conversation dives deep into the groundbreaking military vision of General Billy Mitchell, who championed the future of air power long before it was widely accepted—and paid the price. From his prophetic warnings about Pearl Harbor to his controversial court-martial, Mitchell’s legacy is explored alongside the rise of forward-thinking leaders like George C. Marshall, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George S. Patton.

Together, Liam and Richard examine how global events—from Hitler’s aggression in Europe to America’s gradual policy shifts like Lend-Lease and the Selective Service Act—shaped the modern U.S. military. They draw thought-provoking parallels between the appeasement of the 1930s and today’s geopolitical challenges, particularly in Ukraine.

Packed with historical insight, vivid storytelling, and timely reflection, this episode reminds us that history doesn't just repeat—it teaches, warns, and inspires.

Transcript

Episode 74 of History Repeats with Liam Carballal and guest Richard Acritelli (Part 2) on hmTv:

Hello and thank you for joining me today. I'm your host, Liam Carballal, and on today’s episode of History Repeats on hmTv, I’m joined once again by Richard Acritelli. Good to see you back again.

Thank you. Happy to continue this important discussion.

We’re picking up our conversation on America in the interwar years and its transition into a wartime footing. One seminal moment in the 1930s with long-reaching consequences were the military experiments of Billy Mitchell. Can you speak a little to his legacy?

Sure. Billy Mitchell was an Army officer during World War I, but what really set him apart was that he was a flyer—something very new at the time. Kind of like how we view the Space Force today—it was a new branch, a new perspective. Mitchell advocated that air power deserved its own independent arm of the military, which eventually became the U.S. Air Force. He was a true pioneer who inspired future air officers like Hap Arnold and Curtis LeMay.

Wasn’t he also known for some pretty bold predictions?

Absolutely. He believed air power could revolutionize warfare. He conducted experiments that proved planes could sink ships, challenging the Navy's dominance. People laughed at him then, but history validated his vision. He even predicted the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor—and he was laughed at in court for saying that.

Right, and he was court-martialed?

Yes, for insubordination. His outspoken nature, particularly in public, was too much for the military establishment. But he stuck to his beliefs, even though it cost him his career. His legacy was eventually honored posthumously.

Let’s talk about the broader military environment of the time. The 1930s saw increasing aggression in Europe. Was there a shift in U.S. domestic or military policy?

Not really until 1939. Up until then, the Great Depression dominated U.S. policy. Officers like MacArthur and Patton were still in service, but resources were limited. The U.S. military was ranked 17th in the world—just behind Romania.

Wow. That's incredible.

It is. But some forward-thinking leaders were already preparing. Eisenhower and Bradley used West Point and the Army to escape small-town life and build careers. They were observant and understood that war was coming, even if the War Department was slow to act.

FDR made some bold moves too, right?

He did. He brought in Republicans like Frank Knox and Henry Stimson to lead the Navy and War Department, signaling bipartisan support for inevitable conflict. Most importantly, he promoted George C. Marshall to Army Chief of Staff, leapfrogging him over senior officers.

Marshall really restructured the Army, didn’t he?

Completely. He started preparing for war—launching the first peacetime draft through the Selective Service Act, removing outdated officers, and holding massive training maneuvers in Louisiana and the Carolinas. He was planning for modern warfare before it even started.

And this preparation helped create leaders like Eisenhower and Patton?

Exactly. These maneuvers tested new strategies and personnel. Eisenhower shined as a planner. Patton pushed the envelope, even breaking the rules. He famously said, “I know of no rules in mobilized warfare.”

That kind of mindset was critical, I imagine.

It was. And Marshall had an eye for leadership. He kept a notebook of promising officers—people who could lead without constant oversight. He even ordered the first Jeeps based on a recommendation that disrupted one of his meetings. He was that decisive.

That’s the kind of leader we needed as the war approached.

Yes, and as Hitler continued annexing territory in Europe—Austria, the Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia—Western democracies hesitated. Hitler pushed further because no one pushed back. Sound familiar?

It does. Especially with comparisons today, like Russia and Ukraine.

Exactly. History echoes. Chamberlain's appeasement of Hitler left Czechoslovakia vulnerable—just like sidelining Ukraine in peace talks can signal weakness today. It’s why we need strong, forward-thinking leadership.

How did all this culminate in U.S. involvement?

Well, we shifted from isolation to armed neutrality—first with policies like Cash and Carry and then Lend-Lease. We provided tanks, trucks, planes, and food to the Allies. Even before Pearl Harbor, we were inching closer to war. Hitler knew this and told his navy not to provoke us. But once Japan attacked, and Hitler declared war on the U.S., the rest is history.

And that brings us to the build-up for full involvement.

Yes. The military buildup was dramatic. With the Selective Service Act, training, leadership changes, and modern warfare strategies, we became ready. Marshall’s vision, and FDR’s willingness to cross the aisle and act decisively, changed everything.

Incredible. Well, Richard, this has been an incredibly informative conversation—thank you so much for joining me again.

My pleasure. Thanks for having me.