Why We Fought: Forging American Obligations in World War II
Westbrook, Robert B.
ISBN 10: 1588342956 ISBN 13: 9781588342959
Published by Smithsonian Books, 2010
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Soft cover
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Item in good condition and has highlighting/writing on text. Used texts may not contain supplemental items such as CDs, info-trac etc. Seller Inventory # 00092141942
Synopsis:
Why We Fought is a timely and provocative analysis that examines why Americans really chose to sacrifice and commit themselves to World War II. Unlike other depictions of the patriotic “greatest generation,” Westbrook argues that, strictly speaking, Americans in World War II were not instructed to fight, work, or die for their country—above all, they were moved by private obligations. Finding political theory in places such as pin-ups of Betty Grable, he contends that more often than not Americans were urged to wage war as fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, lovers, sons, daughters, and consumers, not as citizens. The thinness of their own citizenship contrasted sharply with the thicker political culture of the Japanese, which was regarded with condescending contempt and even occasionally wistful respect.
Why We Fought is a profound and skillful assessment of America's complex political beliefs and the peculiarities of its patriotism. While examining the history of American beliefs about war and citizenship, Westbrook casts a larger light on what it means to be an American, to be patriotic, and to willingly go to war.
About the Author: Robert B. Westbrook, author of the highly acclaimed John Dewey and the American Democracy, teaches American history at the University of Rochester. He lives in Brockport, New York.
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Bibliographic Details
Title: Why We Fought: Forging American Obligations ...
Publisher: Smithsonian Books
Publication Date: 2010
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: Good