It has been said that Frank Capra was horrified and impressed with Leni Riefenstahl's propaganda film for Hitler. You can see how Capra deliberately adopts Riefenstahl's style in the diner food prep scene. Compare to the food prep scene in the Hitler Youth camp.

This film is propaganda so it's point of view is not a secret. We should not expect a "warts and all" view of American history. Still, there is a nod to inclusion of black people and to the immigrant "races" which were then our enemies as true Americans. And a nod to the fallibility of our choices - and our ability to correct (You and I might choose slavery but Capra chose Prohibition). Such allowances would be unthinkable for the Nazis. With these the film stands as an authentic expression of American pride.

Under God was added in 1954. I agree, it sounds better with it in. Atheists didn't take it out. It wasn't there when this was made.

Who decided to let "under God" out of the pledge of allegiance? Thanks to the atheist.

Although the print is somewhat choppy, it's effectiveness is undeniable. The German influence in South America was a surprise to me, and it's sobering to understand just how close America was to being overwhelmed by the Axis powers. Thank God we weren't asleep at the switch any longer than we were.

The bit I liked the best in this film was when the case was made against isolationism, with the narration starting "What would have been our defensive position if the aggressors had succeeded in conquering Britain,......... Russia,......... and China?" and ending "And thus, an Axis victory in Europe and Asia would leave us alone and virtually surrounded, facing enemies ten times stronger than ourselves." Very effective use of animation.

An excellent example of wartime propaganda from a time when the US was ruled by honourable politicians.

Serves as an important document as an ephemeral American film, a study of world history, a study of wartime propaganda, and a true masterclass for young filmakers to observe the genius pacing and direction of Frank Capra.
Raises your blood pressure. I think the war on terrorism and 9-11 pales in comparison to what our parents and grandparents had to deal with.
An English critic on the IMDb page said it best-
"If I was American and went to see this movie (when it was new), I would leave feeling ten feet tall and ready to kick Hitler's ass!"