Why We Fought: Forging American Obligations in World War II

Robert B. Westbrook

ISBN 10: 1588341305 / ISBN 13: 9781588341303

Published by Smithsonian Books, 2004

About this Item

This is a Very sturdy, clean & bright Black spine on a Gray board WWII Hardback in Near Fine+ condition with a Near Fine+ jacket. c2004. First Edition.1st Printing. This is a very well cared for book. LOOKS lightly read book. It has very nice edges with very nice spine ends. The pages are tight & bright & unmarked. No names. The jacket, with price, is also in Very nice condition with very little shelf wear . Small Remainder dot. 151 Pages. All books are securely packaged and Promptly Mailed. #21730-225.

Seller Inventory # 021730

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Why We Fought: Forging American Obligations in World War II
• Publisher: Smithsonian Books
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1588341305
• ISBN 13: 9781588341303
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Near Fine+
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine+
• Seller catalogs:
  • World War II Books

About this title

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.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

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.


From the Trade Paperback edition.