From Isolation to War 1931- 1941 - Book Report/Review Example

diplomacy during the period of simmering discontent in the Far East and Europe in particular, and also the ultimate involvement of the U.S. in the second world war, are analyzed with due and deserving respect for details from either side. For quite some time, the feeling that the United States should not become embroiled in foreign conflicts and world politics, had been predominant in the minds of the U.S. citizens and polity, and this feeling grew more intense in the years following World War One.

American involvement in the Second World War briefly put on hold the isolationist policy, but resurfaced soon thereafter. Internationally, communism was more active after its sweep into Eastern Europe, and influence over large parts of Asia. The role of the newly formed United Nations overshadowed the need of the United States to do any rethink on its policy of isolationism. There was hardly any apprehension from any quarter, the United States included, that isolationism was under any kind of strain or threat.

The book goes on to dwell on topics of historical importance such as the recognition of the Soviet Union, rejection of the World Court, the blocking of Jewish immigration, Munich, the Hitler-Stalin pact, and the isolationist ideology. Also the uneasy relationship with Japan during the pre-second world war period and its repercussion on Japan as well as the other nations comprising the Allies presents a more realistic and balanced account of the problems and events that led to the war. The book scores admirably in the analyses of situations, strategies, economic, political and social pressures.

The negative aspect of a person or situation is conveyed merely by the narration without prejudice or bias. The concluding chapters provide considerable tributes to Roosevelt's handling of the grim era and the impact of American foreign policies on international affairs. Students and faculty of American history stand to benefit greatly by the inclusion of "From Isolation to War 1931-1941" in their curriculum. The clear, descriptive and intrinsic style of the author together with mature, impartial treatment to both sides, make the book important and valuable academically.

The narration depicting the attack on Pearl Harbor is of the highest standard, told from the Japanese point of view, and is bound to keep the reader on the edge till the last line. The major events of the wars have been told and retold, reviewed, analyzed, put in movie versions, and discussed so many times that anyone might feel one more narration is bound to become a damp squib. However, there comes one book that surpasses its peers in the extra-ordinary arena of professional excellence. It unequivocally gels with contemporary aspects of science, history, customs and diplomacy.

Its lessons, though obsolete, are relevant today and in the years to come. It may not grip every one all the time, but it will not be found wanting in credibility and fairness. It may keep one glued to certain events, but put another to sleep with verbose details. However, by all accounts, it will neither mislead nor resort to hypothetical conclusions. Those curious to get the facts of the wars will find in the book, an able guide and ally. Others who do not