About the book
In the Spring of 1917, America went to war with an innocent determination to re-make the world. When the smoke lifted in November 1918, the nation emerged with its sense of purpose shattered, its certainties shaken, and with a new and unwelcome self-knowledge. Seventy-five thousand American soldiers were dead, and back home a Pandora's box of suspicions and surveillance had been opened.
The Last Days of Innocence reveals how the fight to preserve freedom abroad led to the erosion of freedom at home. Drawing on American, British, and French archival material, the authors reveal unplanned and uncoordinated field efforts, as well as the unsavory activities of anti-dissent groups, from the Committee for Public Information to the Anti-Yellow Dog League, including a posse of children organized to listen for antiwar talk among families and friends. Here is the story of the fifty-billion-dollar war that gave birth to the Selective Service Act, threatened labor rights, stoked the fires of racial and religious intolerance, and concentrated the nation's wealth into fewer hands than ever before. The Last Days of Innocence tells the untold story of the war that rudely thrust Americans into an uncertain future--a war whose effects remain with us today.
\"Well-crafted in every way...a vivid and authoritative history.\"--Cleveland Plain Dealer
\"A neatly plaited narrative...rich in detail. A splendid history.\"--Washington Times
Editions of The Last Days of Innocence
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780679418634
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780679743767
Read an Excerpt
In the Spring of 1917, America went to war with an innocent determination to re-make the world. When the smoke lifted in November 1918, the nation emerged with its sense of purpose shattered, its certainties shaken, and with a new and unwelcome self-knowledge. Seventy-five thousand American soldiers were dead, and back home a Pandora's box of suspicions and surveillance had been opened.
The Last Days of Innocence reveals how the fight to preserve freedom abroad led to the erosion of freedom at home. Drawing on American, British, and French archival material, the authors reveal unplanned and uncoordinated field efforts, as well as the unsavory activities of anti-dissent groups, from the Committee for Public Information to the Anti-Yellow Dog League, including a posse of children organized to listen for antiwar talk among families and friends. Here is the story of the fifty-billion-dollar war that gave birth to the Selective Service Act, threatened labor rights, stoked the fires of racial and religious intolerance, and concentrated the nation's wealth into fewer hands than ever before. The Last Days of Innocence tells the untold story of the war that rudely thrust Americans into an uncertain future--a war whose effects remain with us today.
\"Well-crafted in every way...a vivid and authoritative history.\"--Cleveland Plain Dealer
\"A neatly plaited narrative...rich in detail. A splendid history.\"--Washington Times
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Last Days of Innocence about?
In the Spring of 1917, America went to war with an innocent determination to re-make the world. When the smoke lifted in November 1918, the nation emerged with its sense of purpose shattered, its certainties shaken, and with a new and unwelcome self-knowledge. Seventy-five thousand American soldiers were dead, and back home a Pandora's box of suspicions and surveillance had been opened.
The Last Days of Innocence reveals how the fight to preserve freedom abroad led to the erosion of freedom at home. Drawing on American, British, and French archival material, the authors reveal unplanned and uncoordinated field efforts, as well as the unsavory activities of anti-dissent groups, from the Committee for Public Information to the Anti-Yellow Dog League, including a posse of children organized to listen for antiwar talk among families and friends. Here is the story of the fifty-billion-dollar war that gave birth to the Selective Service Act, threatened labor rights, stoked the fires of racial and religious intolerance, and concentrated the nation's wealth into fewer hands than ever before. The Last Days of Innocence tells the untold story of the war that rudely thrust Americans into an uncertain future--a war whose effects remain with us today.
\"Well-crafted in every way...a vivid and authoritative history.\"--Cleveland Plain Dealer
\"A neatly plaited narrative...rich in detail. A splendid history.\"--Washington Times
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Last Days of Innocence?
History and Archaeology > History > Military history > Specific wars and military campaigns > First World War
Where can I read a sample of The Last Days of Innocence?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679418634
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Last Days of Innocence?
Meirion Harries, Susie Harries
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Last Days of Innocence is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679418634) and paperback(ISBN 9780679743767)
Where can I buy The Last Days of Innocence online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Last Days of Innocence from below
Where can I buy The Last Days of Innocence?