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Why We Fought : Forging American Obligations in World War II

by Robert B. Westbrook
$9.90 Now $3.90 Save 61%
Compare to estimated retail price: S$32.95  

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Why We Fought : Forging American Obligations in World War II - Thryft
Why We Fought : Forging American Obligations in World War II - Thryft

Private obligations shaped Americans' involvement in WWII.

This book would be a good read for history buffs interested in a fresh analysis of American patriotism during World War II. Westbrook examines how private obligations as family members and consumers, rather than citizenship, motivated Americans to fight in the war. This book offers a new perspective on the patriotic narrative of the "greatest generation" and provides insight into the concept of American patriotism and citizenship.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Sale

Why We Fought : Forging American Obligations in World War II

by Robert B. Westbrook
$9.90 Now $3.90 Save 61%
Compare to estimated retail price: S$32.95  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

ISBN: 9781588342959
Authors: Robert B. Westbrook
Publisher: Smithsonian Books
Date of Publication: 2010-07-06
Format: Paperback
Related Collections: Politics, Sociology, History
Related Topics: Politics, History, Social Issues, World War II, Sociology, American History
Goodreads rating: 3.82
(rated by 11 readers)

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Description

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.
Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

Books in Like New Condition

This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Very Good Condition

This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Good Condition

We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

Books in Well Read Condition

This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.

*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

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Similar Reads

Private obligations shaped Americans' involvement in WWII.

This book would be a good read for history buffs interested in a fresh analysis of American patriotism during World War II. Westbrook examines how private obligations as family members and consumers, rather than citizenship, motivated Americans to fight in the war. This book offers a new perspective on the patriotic narrative of the "greatest generation" and provides insight into the concept of American patriotism and citizenship.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.