United States and World War Two: The Awakening Giant

The United States and World War II is a broad-ranging introduction to the second world war in America. The politics, diplomacy and military strategy of the war form the core of the book. Coverage of the social issues is integrated into the larger narrative and the military and political aspects are linked to the social through the overarching theme of the transforming effects of the war. The author takes a chronological approach, offering a narrative history, while highlighting and developing key thematic links through the chapters. Exemplary material substantiates thematic points and enlivens the text, while historiographical issues are addressed as appropriate throughout the narrative. Coverage is broad-ranging - the narrative begins in the late 1930s, demonstrating that an understanding of the second world war as a transforming event requires discussion of the prior state of affairs, and ends with a consideration of the legacy of the war and its continuing significance. Overall this book provides an invaluable introduction to all aspects of the American experience of World War Two.