The United States at War, 1941 - 1945 [Paperback]

This 3rd edition presents a concise overview of how the war was fought as well as a consideration of the ways in which Americans regarded allies and enemies, embraced heroes, and viewed the war's purpose. Making the important distinction between popular notions and military and political realities, Gary Hess helps today's readers to better understand the complexity of the conflict. Updated to incorporate the latest scholarship, this latest edition also includes new material to underscore more fully the moral dimensions of the war, including the American decision to use the atomic bomb, the ruthless campaigns of both the Germans and Russians in Eastern Europe, American reaction to the Holocaust as well as the government's post-war tolerance and protection of Nazis deemed valuable to Cold War research and intelligence. Enhanced coverage of specific topics including the Bataan Death March, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Allied uncovering of concentration camps rounds out the narrative.

Preface to the Third Edition ix

Chapter One. To Pearl Harbor: The United States and World Crisis 1

The Arsenal of Democracy: The War in Europe 3

“Not Enough Ships : The Effort to Restrain Japan 8

Chapter Two. Allied Defeats and the Axis Ascendancy, 1941-1942 20

The Nazi Empire at Its Peak 20

Japan’s Imperial Conquests 24

Defeat and Surrender in the Philippines 25

Popular Perceptions and Expectations 34

Chapter Three. The War in Europe: The Turn of the Tide 38

The Debate over Strategy 38

The North African Invasion 41

The Eastern Front: The Russian Victory at Stalingrad 45

The Battle of the Atlantic 49

The Air War: The Bombil“—