The Civilian and the Military: A History of the American Antimilitarist Tradition [Paperback]

Arthur A. Ekirch (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0879260076 | ISBN-13: 978-0879260071 | Publication Date: June 1972

Presenting a new perspective on the influence of the military complex on U.S. society, this account follows the rise and decline of the antimilitarist tradition—rooted in fear of dictatorship—that has been an important part of the American heritage from colonial times until the 1950s and even today. In addition to providing a documented historical survey of notable issues and landmarks that have affected the role of the civilian and the military until the mid-1950s, the volume also offers ample background for an understanding of the complicated problem of militarism in the last century, including principles and dynamics that are relevant in the 21st century. Bringing to light new materials and making use of archives and papers that ground the analysis in actual events, this compelling examination will excite controversy among pacifists, militarists, and anyone interested in history, U.S. military policy, and trends in current events.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The author develops the story of antimilitarism concretely, not only in terms of periodic wars, but also in terms of peacetime debates over military appropriations, the size and nature of the armed forces, and the role of the military in civilian affairs."  —Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science

"An excellent, thorough chronological account of American opinion, pro- and anti-, regarding the place of military organization and military ideas . . . as a valuable contribution on a topic of much current interest."  —Public Opinion Quarterly

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Arthur A. Ekirch Jr. was a professor emeritus of history at the State University of New York–Albany, a Guggenheim fellow, and the author of dozens of articles and 10 books, including The Decline of American Liberalism. He also served as vice chair of the Conference on Peace Research in History, later renamed the Peace History Society.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 358 pages
• Publisher: Ralph Myles Pub (June 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879260076
• ISBN-13: 978-0879260071
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,951,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, May 6, 2011

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This review is from: The Civilian and the Military: A History of the American Anti-Militarist Tradition (Paperback)

Probably the finest expose written detailing the forgotten history and law behind the way our country used to view military operations and service. Much of today's understanding, regarding the military establishment and our government's use of it, is a recent development. Up until the Korean war, the military was under the exclusive direction of the Congress; but this book shows how the Executive branch has usurped Congress's authority with the public's knowledge and acquiescence.