You raise an interesting point about some of these anti-war WWII books gaining steam around the Vietnam era. I cannot help but wonder how much this has tilted public favor away from both the military in general and America's involvement in overseas endeavors - both those that are questionable and those that are noble. Much to chew on here.
Thanks Sam. I think you ask a really good question. These books took hold during periods when the military transitioned to the AVF and when we saw a lot of colleges and universities (though by no means all) stop or curtail ROTC. So fewer and fewer people even encountered the military, all of which must have had an impact on public attitudes.
It’s also just a bit stunning to look back at how many copies of these books sold and to think how rare it is for any military book today to break out with the broad public.
You raise an interesting point about some of these anti-war WWII books gaining steam around the Vietnam era. I cannot help but wonder how much this has tilted public favor away from both the military in general and America's involvement in overseas endeavors - both those that are questionable and those that are noble. Much to chew on here.
Thanks Sam. I think you ask a really good question. These books took hold during periods when the military transitioned to the AVF and when we saw a lot of colleges and universities (though by no means all) stop or curtail ROTC. So fewer and fewer people even encountered the military, all of which must have had an impact on public attitudes.
It’s also just a bit stunning to look back at how many copies of these books sold and to think how rare it is for any military book today to break out with the broad public.