In Presidents at War: How World War II Shaped a Generation of Presidents, from Eisenhower and JFK through Reagan and Bush, author Steven M. Gillon traces the experiences of seven presidents. While doing so, he demonstrates how their wartime service influenced their political outlook and subsequent presidencies.
Gillon effectively weaves together individual narratives with broader historical context. Instead of a series of biographical sketches, he skillfully analyzes how the shared experience of World War II forged a common understanding of patriotism, sacrifice, and America's role in the world among these men. The book goes beyond just the battles, and delves into the psychological effects the war had on each man, and how those psychological effects influenced their political views and American foreign policy for the decades following World War II.
Presidents at War is a significant contribution to books on presidential history. It offers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in American history and sheds light on the enduring legacy of World War II.
MY RATING: 4.5
