The US Army and Social Change

The US Army and Social Change offers historical context for ongoing, contemporary debates over the proper relationship of the US military to social change and social issues. Contributors look beyond the debate over whether the Army should be a site of social experimentation to argue that it always has and likely always will be. Examining specific cases from the twentieth century, the essays in The US Army and Social Change analyze army responses to critical questions about who should serve, what roles individuals and groups should play, and what rights each deserves―always in the context of the US Army's mission of national defense.

Beth Bailey is Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of History at the University of Kansas. She is author of numerous books, most recently An Army Afire, winner of the distinguished book award from Society for Military History.

David Kieran is Colonel Richard R. Hallock Distinguished Chair in Military History at Columbus State University. He is author of numerous books, including, most recently, Signature Wounds.