Why We Fought

Forging American Obligations in World War II

Nonfiction, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century, Military, World War II
Cover of the book Why We Fought by Robert B. Westbrook, Smithsonian
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert B. Westbrook ISBN: 9781588343703
Publisher: Smithsonian Publication: January 11, 2012
Imprint: Smithsonian Books Language: English
Author: Robert B. Westbrook
ISBN: 9781588343703
Publisher: Smithsonian
Publication: January 11, 2012
Imprint: Smithsonian Books
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Smithsonian

Cover of the book The Smithsonian Book of Air & Space Trivia by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book The Published Writings of Wilbur and Orville Wright by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book America Noir by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Southern Storm by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Second Nature by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book America's Public Holidays, 1865-1920 by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Longhorned Woodboring Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae and Disteniidae) by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Mammals of Ungava and Labrador by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Hope Diamond by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book How the Great Pyramid Was Built by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book The Garden Club of America by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Remaking the World by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Angels Zero by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Bananas by Robert B. Westbrook
Cover of the book Smithsonian American Women by Robert B. Westbrook
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy