Publisher's Synopsis
A compelling account of the personal experiences of groups who were affected by World War II, both on and off the battlefields.
Personal Perspectives: World War II brings to life the experiences of specific segments of soldiers and civilians as they were affected by the conflict, capturing special characteristics of each group and the unique ways they experienced the war. Twelve essays written by top international scholars portray what it was really like to experience the war for groups ranging from marines, naval aviators, and liberators of concentration camps to prisoners of war, refugees, and women in factories.
Of interest to both students and nonexperts, the book tells the stories of Japanese Americans forced into internment camps and African Americans who experienced intense discrimination, the call to activism, and opportunity in the armed forces. It offers the perspectives of Navajo "code talkers," diplomats like U.S. ambassador to Poland Anthony J. Biddle, who fled his post to avoid death, and scientists who worked on the Manhattan project, thereby introducing the most destructive form of warfare known to humanity.
- Twelve essays written by international scholars and authors describe what it was like to be members of different groups during World War II
- Each essay contains a brief historical introduction that provides context focusing on individuals and their experiences in war and combat
- A bibliography accompanies each essay and a general bibliography emphasizes works in social history, listing additional readings for those who wish to pursue the topics further
- Includes a detailed index and timeline for easy access to specific information
