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War and Empire: The American Way of Life
In this provocative study, Paul Atwood attempts to show Americans that their history is one of constant wars of aggression and imperial expansion.
In his long teaching career, Atwood has found that most students know virtually nothing about America's involvement in the wars of the 20th century, let alone those prior to World War I. War and Empire aims to correct this, clearly and persuasively explaining US actions in every major war since the declaration of independence. The book shows that, far from being dragged reluctantly into foreign entanglements, America's leaders have always picked its battles in order to increase their influence and power, with little regard for the American soldiers and 'enemy' civilians killed or made to suffer in the process.
This book is an eye-opening introduction to the American way of life for undergraduate students of American history, politics and international relations.
In his long teaching career, Atwood has found that most students know virtually nothing about America's involvement in the wars of the 20th century, let alone those prior to World War I. War and Empire aims to correct this, clearly and persuasively explaining US actions in every major war since the declaration of independence. The book shows that, far from being dragged reluctantly into foreign entanglements, America's leaders have always picked its battles in order to increase their influence and power, with little regard for the American soldiers and 'enemy' civilians killed or made to suffer in the process.
This book is an eye-opening introduction to the American way of life for undergraduate students of American history, politics and international relations.
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 2, 2013
What can be said? If it's time to eschew the corporate mindfuck and learn about the country you live in, here's a reasonable book to start with...
March 14, 2024
Should I write a review for a book that can hardly be found in any libraries; that is priced above a reasonable price-point for a 250pg book, even used, on abebooks and ebay? Yes, I think so, though it may be a fool's errand. If one person reads this it is worth my time, regardless of their reaction.
Having been schooled in the cartoon (or Disney) version of American History during the late 60's / early 70s, through a series of events, I began to question that schooling - what I was observing did not match the lofty ideals and rhetoric. So I began to read books that presented more nuanced versions of world and american history, and found a pattern. What pattern? Most, if not all, wars and policy are about money (economy, etc) and power and how to sell it to the populace. Ideals? They are used to justify actions, but are not the primary reason. Cynic or realist, you read, then observe and decide.
For those that have read "A People's History of the United States" or "War is a Racket", "Manufacturing Consent", the "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" series or even "Lies My Teacher Told Me", this book is a concise treatment of the nature of our economy, politics and society. Having read those books and more, I wish I had found this book first. It flies in the face of our national myths, teachings and what the media has fed us through the years. For those first exploring their questioning, this may be a foundation-shaking experience; for those who have read Zinn, Butler, Chomsky and more, this will simply put all the pieces together, making sense of seemingly inexplicable foreign policy decisions.
Though it ends at the beginning of Obama's first term, it does provide a clear lens for viewing today's events.
Having been schooled in the cartoon (or Disney) version of American History during the late 60's / early 70s, through a series of events, I began to question that schooling - what I was observing did not match the lofty ideals and rhetoric. So I began to read books that presented more nuanced versions of world and american history, and found a pattern. What pattern? Most, if not all, wars and policy are about money (economy, etc) and power and how to sell it to the populace. Ideals? They are used to justify actions, but are not the primary reason. Cynic or realist, you read, then observe and decide.
For those that have read "A People's History of the United States" or "War is a Racket", "Manufacturing Consent", the "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" series or even "Lies My Teacher Told Me", this book is a concise treatment of the nature of our economy, politics and society. Having read those books and more, I wish I had found this book first. It flies in the face of our national myths, teachings and what the media has fed us through the years. For those first exploring their questioning, this may be a foundation-shaking experience; for those who have read Zinn, Butler, Chomsky and more, this will simply put all the pieces together, making sense of seemingly inexplicable foreign policy decisions.
Though it ends at the beginning of Obama's first term, it does provide a clear lens for viewing today's events.
November 24, 2017
I'm glad I read this though I was anxious to finish it. If the author is mostly correct about American history the country has very little to feel good about. That most Americans aren't aware of the history or choose to remain in the dark speaks to the massive disconnect created with propaganda, marketing and lying. It doesn't speak well at all of the future of America that it is so blissfully unaware and has yet to acknowledge, apologize or/ and make amends, like say Germany has done since WW II. The book is very well written and only rarely bogs down with too much detail that most non history buffs don't care for. Recommended but you will come out with a significantly changed perspective if most of what you know is the pap taught in schools or the propaganda of America being the greatest nation on earth
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews