A fierce critique of civil religion as the taproot of America’s bid for global hegemony Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Walter A. McDougall argues powerfully that a pervasive but radically changing faith that “God is on our side†has inspired U.S. foreign policy ever since 1776. The first comprehensive study of the role played by civil religion in U.S. foreign relations over the entire course of the country’s history; McDougall’s book explores the deeply infused religious rhetoric that has sustained and driven an otherwise secular republic through peace; war; and global interventions for more than two hundred years. From the Founding Fathers and the crusade for independence to the Monroe Doctrine; through World Wars I and II and the decades-long Cold War campaign against “godless Communism;†this coruscating polemic reveals the unacknowledged but freely exercised dogmas of civil religion that bind together a “God blessed†America; sustaining the nation in its pursuit of an ever elusive global destiny.
#302104 in Books Yale University Press 2013-07-23Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x 1.28 x 6.20l; 1.40 #File Name: 0300198205512 pages
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. A must read to understand missing historyBy Bob MR. M. Douglas’ “Orderly and Humane†was an eye opener to a piece of history no one acknowledges or talks about. Unfortunately; it is a part of history that challenged one’s character and moral integrity; and the people who had the power and responsibility to ensure that it was carried out within a humane manner; FAILED. Having recently read a number of books about Germany during and after the war; it certainly portrayed a different story then the usual histories. I would recommend that everyone read it and try to relate what is happening today to the plight of the Sudetendeutsche. It did; however; disturb me to learn that some of the people we hold in high esteem didn’t have the moral character to halt the expulsions. I believe Mr. Douglas deserves a great deal of respect and praise for having the courage to write the book.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Not light reading; but worth the effortBy AirfrereI purchased this book because; as a descendant of German-speaking Moravians; I am interested in knowing more about what happened to those parts of the family that did not emigrate to America. The book did not disappoint. Although the prose is dense and sometimes seems repetitive; Douglas' style is engaging. The topic is daunting; not least because it is a chapter of history that is (intentionally) not well known. The book; however; draws extensively on first-hand accounts and primary sources. The large number of footnotes can be distracting; but given the subject matter the author's choice to footnote his claims is entirely justified.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about ...By Aneesah McnameeMy mother and father are Sudetendeutsche and I heard this book was the most comprehensive about that period after WW2. The book is very long and factual - hard to read some parts - only because I have emotional ties to the time period. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about what REALLY happened.
