Mitchell came from a family practiced in politics, military connections, business, and civic influence. His father had served in the Civil War, later became a US senator, and knew Arthur MacArthur. His grandfather established the Milwaukee Road railroad and the Marine Bank of Wisconsin, while his grandmother was active in local charities and arts circles. That environment may help explain Mitchell's ability to read an audience and present a changing technological future in reassuringly definite terms. He was also a fervent aviation believer, so persuasive technique and personal conviction reinforced each other. The combination helps explain his public effectiveness and his willingness to disregard rules that obstructed his program.
Notable Point · 6:35-9:18
Family networks shaped Mitchell's politics of persuasion
Mitchell's political, military, business, and civic family background helps explain his skill at presenting air power with the certainty a public audience wanted.