Why We Fought: Forging American Obligations in World War II

Robert B Westbrook

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Language: English

Published by Smithsonian Books (DC), 2004

1588341305 / 9781588341303

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Why We Fought is a timely and provocative analysis that examines why Americans really chose to sacrifice and commit themselves to World War I. Unlike other depictions of the patriotic greatest generation, Westbrook argues that, strictly speaking, Americans in World War I 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.…

Seller Inventory # CIN1588341305G

Title
Why We Fought: Forging American Obligations in World War II
Author
Robert B Westbrook
Publisher
Smithsonian Books (DC)
Publication year
2004
Condition
Good
Binding
Hardback
Language
English
ISBN 10
1588341305
ISBN 13
9781588341303

World of Books Inc

Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.

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AbeBooks seller since March 23, 2026

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