War and Empire: The American Way of Life - Softcover

Atwood, Paul L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745327648 ISBN 13: 9780745327648

Publisher: Pluto Press, 2010

Synopsis

In this provocative study, Paul Atwood attempts to show Americans that their history is one of constant wars of aggression and imperial expansion. In his long teaching career, Atwood has found that most students know virtually nothing about America's involvement in the wars of the 20th century, let alone those prior to World War I. War and Empire aims to correct this, clearly and persuasively explaining US actions in every major war since the declaration of independence. The book shows that, far from being dragged reluctantly into foreign entanglements, America's leaders have always picked its battles in order to increase their influence and power, with little regard for the American soldiers and 'enemy' civilians killed or made to suffer in the process. This book is an eye-opening introduction to the American way of life for undergraduate students of American history, politics and international relations.

About this title

About the Author

Paul Atwood is a senior lecturer in the American studies department and research associate in the William Joiner Center for the Study of War and Social Consequences, both at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. He is a Vietnam-era veteran and an editor of Sticks and Stones: Living with Uncertain Wars (2006).

Review

'In this myth-busting book, Paul Atwood offers an impassioned and provocative challenge to all that Americans think they know about how the United States became a great power' -- Andrew J. Bacevich, author of The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism 'A clear-headed and compelling account of the development of the American empire, an invaluable corrective to standard myth-making accounts' -- Marilyn Young, professor of History at New York University, author of Bombing Civilians: A Twentieth Century History (NY, the New press, 2009) and The Vietnam Wars 1945-1990 (NY, Harper, 1991). Masterful ... gives us a panoramic view of American expansion, beginning with the first invasions of the continent and continuing to the present wars in the Middle East' -- Howard Zinn, Professor Emeritus, Boston University, author of A People's History of the United States

Edition details

• Publisher: Pluto Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0745327648
• ISBN 13: 9780745327648
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288