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This Is Not Who We Are
America’s Struggle Between Vengeance and Virtue
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Ideal for readers interested in history, military ethics, and American identity, this book appeals to those seeking thoughtful analysis of WWII's moral challenges and their lasting impact on society.
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See moreThis Is Not Who We Are examines America's struggle to be good once it became an undisputed superpower. A unique and compelling insight into how a country's humanity affects us all, this book is for lovers of American history and those who look to the past to question the present.
The fascinating story of how Americans tried to save enemy lives amidst wartime calls for revenge.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
What kind of country is America? Zachary Shore tackles this polarising question by spotlighting some of the most morally muddled matters of WWII.
Should Japanese Americans be moved from the west coast to prevent sabotage? Should the German people be made to starve as punishment for launching the war? Should America drop atomic bombs to break Japan's will to fight?
Surprisingly, despite wartime anger, most Americans and key officials favoured mercy over revenge, yet a minority managed to push their punitive policies through.
After the war, by feeding the hungry, rebuilding Western Europe and Japan, and airlifting supplies to a blockaded Berlin, America strove to restore the country's humanity, transforming its image in the eyes of the world.
A compelling story of the struggle over racism and revenge, This Is Not Who We Are asks crucial questions about the nation's most agonising divides.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Praised for its elegant narration and insightful examination, the book is described as a compelling exploration of America's best and worst moments by authors Dayna Barnes and Adam Hochschild. They commend Shore's ability to uncover the complex moral dilemmas and shifting roles of heroes and villains during WWII. The work is noted for fostering introspection and understanding of how historical struggles inform the nation's present and future identity.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781009203449
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 19 January 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Illustration: Worked examples or Exercises
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 158.0mm
Height: 235.0mm
Weight: 640g
Pages: 348
About the Author
Zachary Shore is Professor of History at the Naval Postgraduate School, Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Institute of European Studies, and a National Security Visiting Fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution. He is the author of five previous books, including Blunder: Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions and A Sense of the Enemy: The High-Stakes History of Reading Your Rival's Mind.
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