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The Draft, 1940-1973 (Modern War Studies) Paperback – June 1, 1993

by George Q. Flynn (Author)

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Individual liberty is ingrained in American culture. Yet, in contrast to this cherished ideal, American men were inducted into military service under a system that flourished for more than twenty years before its rationalization was seriously questioned by more than a small minority of citizens.

Analyzing this paradox, George Flynn provides the first comprehensive look at an institution that managed to sustain political and public favor through two wars before dying out under a barrage of protests during a third. Placing the American draft within a historical context, he shows how social and political considerations determined the character of conscription in the United States.

The draft developed as it did, he argues, not mainly because of military needs or strategy, but because of political decisions initiated by civilians with nonmilitary agendas. Explaining why the draft remained relatively immune to political criticism prior to the Vietnam conflict, Flynn chronicles the draft's military and strategic successes and failures in America's mid-century wars. He shows how major institutions and lobbies representing science, education, and various professions and religions influenced it and how, ultimately and ironically, the selective character of the draft eventually made the system inequitable and helped cause its downfall.

Challenging the assertion that centralization of state power has been a constant characteristic of twentieth-century America, Flynn reveals how local interests were frequently at odds with national interests and that often the local powers prevailed. Thus, he argues, the operation of Selective Service helped curb centralization and assured the continued power and influence of localism.

A complex and volatile issue in America, the draft has been a perennial concern for our presidents and military leaders in their quest for military preparedness and mobilization. Tying military issues to the broader history of state and society, this book examines a continuing problem of the modern state—how to find enough of the right individuals to shoulder defense responsibilities.

The Draft, 1940-1973 (Modern War Studies)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With this book, Flynn fills a niche in military studies that is frequently overlooked: the history of selective service in the United States. The institution of the draft supported the expansion of the American armed forces when needed over the course of several decades before it was publicly questioned during the unpopular Vietnam War. Flynn (history, Texas Tech Univ.) provides a detailed and unbiased account in this work. He examines not only the military dimension of the draft but the social and political aspects as well. Indeed, the author maintains that the draft developed primarily because of civilian decisions rather than military needs. In addition to documenting his work fully with endnotes, Flynn also includes a detailed bibliographic essay on the subject of the draft--which in itself will prove invaluable to researchers. This work complements John Chambers II's To Raise an Army ( LJ 11/1/87), which takes a narrower view of the draft, focusing mainly on the World War II period. Highly recommended for academic and larger public libraries.
- Jim Cunningham, Illinois Mathematics & Science Acad., Aurora
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Written by a scholar who is eminently qualified to reconstruct and interpret this history because of his great familiarity with the material and the issues involved, this is a full and rich political history of conscription in America from 1940 through 1973 (and a bit beyond). A fine book based on great research and filled with new details."—John Chambers, author of To Raise an Army: The Draft Comes to Modern America

"One theme Flynn pursues imaginatively throughout is the contrast between the mythic purpose of efficient, centralized selection of manpower and the myth of equality of sacrifice in a democratic society. The research is truly staggering-presidential libraries, various military responsibilities from Carlisle to the Hoover Institute, various record groups in the national archives (including very good use of Nixon's presidential records), numerous hearings, pamphlet literature, interviews, oral histories, and correspondence with principal actors."—J. Garry Clifford, author of The First Peacetime Draft

"At long last we have a definitive account of the draft in modern America. George Q. Flynn blends narrative with historical detail to show how conscription first unified and then divided our country. This is must reading for anyone concerned with the changing contours of citizenship duties and obligations."—Charles Moskos, author of A Call to Civic Service

"A well-researched and remarkably even-handed book that places America’s experience with selective service in the broader context of the nation’s values and public policies."—James T. Patterson, author of America in the Twentieth Century: A History

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Product details

Series: Modern War Studies
Paperback: 406 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas (June 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0700611053
ISBN-13: 978-0700611058
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: Be the first to review this item
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,844,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18764 in Books > History > Military > United States
- #82342 in Books > History > Americas > United States

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The Draft, 1940-1973 (Modern War Studies) Paperback – June 1, 1993

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