America and World War II - Book Report/Review Example

This book was written by a Northern Kentucky of history, Dr Michael C.C Adams. Itis an excellent book for breaking up the myth and hypes of the greatest generation, not only devaluing their service but also to take look accurately at the culture of the Second World War era. Adams exposes these stories for what they are and provides basic facts, which facilitate a truer understanding of the World War II and the cultural changes that took place worldwide both before and also after the war.

He goes to an immense length showing it as an ugly conflict that was loaded with descent and protests. In short, he says that Second World War was everything that war is: uncertain, costly, violent, and also an arena for the best and worst of the human behavior. Arguments and the main thesis In the first chapter, “myth making and the war”, Dr. Michael sets out the myth, as defined by government propaganda, Hollywood dramatization, advertisement agencies as well as those who took part and fought in the war.

Adams described the war as America’s golden age, a point in life of society when everything worked out perfectly, and people got prosperous endings. The World War II era came to serve as a bygone age that America once was. The Americans believe that the Second World War proved one rule above all the others, i.e. It is usually better to fight than to talk (Adams, 4). The war myth is altered not much in what it mentions as in what it does not mention. This applies both to the war itself and also to the home front (Adams, 7).

In the second chapter, “no easy answers,” starts the process of breaking down the myth and indicating that the circumstances that led up to the Second World War began way long before Versailles’ treaty, and the divisions of the war will last longer than the era that fought it. Michael puts down the frame of the complex economical, cultural and political histories of each nation that would become involved in the World War II and shows no point one decision would prevent the war from taking place.

He further argues that no substantial effect could have happened in Europe as well as Asia; hence indeed there were no easy answers (Adams, 12). The third Chapter, “the war patterns, 1939-1945” puts down the way in which each country fought the war with new speeds and technologies and made possible by the remoteness of the enemies (Adams, 45). The forth chapter, “American war machine,” indicates how the tools and machines were made and sent into the battles. In this chapter, Adams demonstrates how the organization of the army, as well as the soldiers, differed, for worse or better (Adams, 71).

The fifth chapter, “live overseas,” puts down the realities of life for the soldiers in America both in the pacific theatres and the European. This chapter has one unifying purpose, i.e. To define the reality of the Second World War era as well as expose the mixed-up history and actors and also disabuse the reigning World War II mythos. The sixth chapter, “home front changes” demonstrates the realities of life for the people that stayed at home during the war. This chapter also defines the reality of the Second World War period and also exposes the complicated myths of the reigning Second World War (Adams, 114).

The last chapter, “a new world,” brings us a step further and exposes the myth that the returning soldiers adjusted faster without lasting emotional traumas and physical ailments into a society welcoming them with loving families and friendly smiles (Adams, 138). Conclusion Dr. Michael has indeed provided an easily accessible and interesting framework within which one can examine the World War II, and appreciate the realities and complexities of that great period. His history is uncomplicated and intentionally brief with details and examples, hence achieving its purpose.

“The best war ever” may have indicated the terrific ways of America, but the unity and strength it brought to the American society at large suffering from Roosevelt’s Recession and the hobble effects of the enormous depression cannot be opposed. Through identifying the realities and myths of the Second World War, the war can be recognized for what it was; brutal, ugly and ultimately a necessary war. USA showed its immorality and flaws at times but also showed its kindness and true patriotism at others.

Works cited Adams Michael. The Best War Ever: America and World War II: United States. JHU Press, 1994.