Ludlow Amendment

Ludlow Amendment

The Ludlow Amendment was a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that called for a national referendum on any declaration of war by United States Congress, except in cases when the United States had been attacked first. The amendment was first proposed by Louis Ludlow, a Democratic representative from Indiana, in 1935 during the period of isolationism between World War I and World War II.

Background

The Ludlow Amendment was proposed in the context of the Great Depression and the rise of fascism in Europe. Many Americans were disillusioned with the country's involvement in World War I and were wary of becoming involved in another European conflict. The amendment was seen as a way to ensure that the American people would have a direct say in the decision to go to war.

Proposal and Debate

Louis Ludlow introduced the amendment in 1935. It was debated in Congress and gained significant public support, but was ultimately defeated in the House of Representatives in 1938. The debate over the amendment was a significant part of the larger debate over isolationism and internationalism in the years leading up to World War II.

Legacy

While the Ludlow Amendment was never adopted, it remains a significant part of the history of the United States Constitution and the debate over the power to declare war. It is often cited in discussions of war powers and the role of the public in decisions to go to war.

See also

• War Powers Resolution
• Isolationism
• Louis Ludlow
• United States Constitution