American Refugee Policy and European Jewry, 1933-1945 [Hardcover]

Richard Breitman (Author), Alan M. Kraut (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 22, 1988 | ISBN-10: 0253304156 | ISBN-13: 978-0253304155

How does one explain America's failure to take bold action to resist the Nazi persecution and murder of European Jews? In contrast to recent writers who place the blame on anti-Semitism in American society at large and within the Roosevelt administration in particular, Richard Breitman and Alan M. Kraut seek the answer in a detailed analysis of American political realities and bureaucratic processes. Drawing on exhaustive archival research, the authors describe and analyze American immigration policy as well as rescue and relief efforts directed toward European Jewry between 1933 and 1945. They contend that U.S. policy was the product of preexisting restrictive immigration laws; an entrenched State Department bureaucracy committed to a narrow defense of American interests; public opposition to any increase in immigration; and the reluctance of Franklin D. Roosevelt to accept the political risks of humanitarian measures to benefit the European Jews. The authors find that the bureaucrats who made and implemented refugee policy were motivated by institutional priorities and reluctance to take risks, rather than by moral or humanitarian concerns.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The story of the New Deal's turning its back on the oppressed of Europe has caused some historians to blame a deep strain of anti-Semitism in the United States on the failure of politicians to open the door to Jewish refugees in the 1930s. The authors reject this interpretation. U.S. actions grew out of the complex mix of Washington policy and political realities at a time when increased immigration was seen as aggravating unemployment in the Great Depression. Those who believe stories of anti-Semitic conspiracy or pervasive national prejudice may reject this conclusion, but the authors give a convincing scholarly explication of a tragic failure of policy. Charles K. Piehl, Mankato State Univ., Minn.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

" ... an exhaustively documented and important book ..." Philadelphia Inquirer "This is an unusually thoughtful and balanced treatment of a controversial subject. Based on very extensive archival research, this will be from here on the first book those interested in the subject should read." Gerhard Weinberg "Informative, even-tempered and dispassionate ... this comprehensive study of a controversial subject makes for indispensable reading." Dimensions " ... stands as the most readable of the growing literature on America's response to the Holocaust." History " ... important, finely calibrated study ..." Journal of American History "It is a masterful study, and one which future students of American policy during the Holocaust years will have to consult." Midstream " ... perceptive and penetrating ... an excellent analysis of the bureaucratic priorities of policy makers in Washington and officials abroad in handling the refugees issue between 1933-1945." Journal of Refugee Studies " ... the author's novel approach to familiar material makes this a valuable contribution in attempting to understand what happens when humanitarian concerns and national interests collide." American Historical Review

Product Details

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (January 22, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253304156
• ISBN-13: 978-0253304155
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,569,973 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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