Wartime America: The World War II Homefront

John Jeffries examines the popular views of WWII as the "Good War" and as a watershed that led to rapid change in American society. His look at the economics may be dry, but the demographics are fascinating. He suggests that changes in prosperity, advances in science, and increases in federal power ushered in a time of big government, big business, big farming and vast social change for women and minorities--but the change was already under way. Chapters on geographic mobility and minority groups are particularly helpful in showing how these changes fit into the larger picture of American history. Was it a "Good War?" Recent books like The Greatest Generation pay a well-deserved tribute to the men and women of the era, but contribute to a misleading rose-colored view of the time. Jeffries' book adds fact and realism that lead to a clearer picture of the time.

I found Jeffries' work to be lucid, informative and well written. Unlike the previous review, I was able to digest this work in an afternoon. The author does provide an alternative case for some popular history. But in fairness, his work offers the reader insights into the mindset and context of Americana circa 1941-1945. I wish Jeffries had expanded on the implications of EO 9066 in some greater depth, but that is a personal observation only and should not be construed as a negative reflection on his work. I compliment the author on his citation of sources which should provide the serious student with an abundance of further leads. Very much worth a look.