Crucible of a Generation: How the Attack on Pearl Harbor Transformed America

Description

Crucible of a Generation tells the story of the fifteen days surrounding the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor through the pages of eight leading American newspapers. Focusing on publications such as The New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, J. Kenneth Brody paints a vivid picture of U.S. political culture and society at a pivotal moment in the nation's history. Brody considers the papers in full, from headlines to 'help wanted' ads, in a text richly illustrated with archival images, wartime posters, and editorial cartoons. The book provides a compelling snapshot of the United States and the role of the media at a time of dramatic tension and global change. “[A] fascinating chronicle of America’s transformation over “fifteen fateful days,” from a country fiercely divided between isolationists and interventionists to one united in pursuit of unconditional victory… The impact of Pearl Harbor on the American psyche was breathtaking and immediate, and it changed the character of the American nation from that of an observer of the world scene to its central actor. Mr. Brody’s sense of history and eye for detail make rewarding reading.”—James L. Buckley, former US Senator, past president of Radio Free Europe, and former judge for the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Cover......Page 1 ABOUT THE AUTHOR......Page 3 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Dedication......Page 6 CONTENTS......Page 8 Foreword......Page 10 Acknowledgments......Page 11 Author’s Note......Page 12 Prologue: Fifteen Fateful Days......Page 13 PART I Last Sunday at Peace: November 30, 1941......Page 16 1 The Sunday Papers......Page 18 2 A World at War, a Nation at Peace......Page 21 3 Facing the Gathering Storm......Page 32 4 As We Were......Page 44 PART II Last Week at Peace: December 1–6, 1941......Page 56 5 Monday, December 1, 1941......Page 58 6 Tuesday, December 2, 1941......Page 70 7 Wednesday, December 3, 1941......Page 85 8 Thursday, December 4, 1941......Page 104 9 Friday, December 5, 1941......Page 120 10 Saturday, December 6, 1941......Page 132 PART III “Day of Infamy”: Sunday, December 7, 1941......Page 144 11 A Quiet Morning in America......Page 146 12 What America Knew......Page 155 13 What America Didn’t Know......Page 158 14 The Answer......Page 163 PART IV First Week at War: December 8–13, 1941......Page 176 15 Monday, December 8, 1941......Page 178 16 Tuesday, December 9, 1941......Page 191 17 Wednesday, December 10, 1941......Page 207 18 Thursday, December 11, 1941......Page 220 19 Friday, December 12, 1941......Page 234 20 Saturday, December 13, 1941......Page 245 PART V First Sunday at War: December 14, 1941......Page 254 21 All in It Together......Page 256 22 A First Class Temperament......Page 267 Epilogue: Americans All......Page 273 A Note on Sources......Page 278 Index......Page 282