Justus D. Doenecke's monumental study covers diplomatic, military, and
ideological aspects of U.S. involvement as a full-scale participant in
World War I.
The entry of America into the "war to end all wars" in April 1917 marks
one of the major turning points in the nation's history. In the span of
just nineteen months, the United States sent nearly two million troops
overseas, established a robust propaganda apparatus, and created an
unparalleled war machine that played a major role in securing Allied
victory in the fall of 1918. At the helm of the nation, Woodrow Wilson
and his administration battled against political dissidence, domestic
and international controversies, and their own lack of experience
leading a massive war effort.
In More Precious than Peace, the long-awaited successor to his
critically acclaimed work Nothing Less than War, Justus D. Doenecke
examines the entirety of the American experience as a full-scale
belligerent in World War I. This book covers American combat on the
western front, the conscription controversy, and scandals in military
training and production. Doenecke explores the Wilson administration's
quest for national unity, the Creel Committee, and "patriotic" crusades.
Weaving together these topics and many others, including the U.S.
reaction to the Russian revolutions, Doenecke creates a lively and
comprehensive narrative. Based on impressive research, this balanced
appraisal challenges historiographical controversies and will be of
great use to students, scholars, and any reader interested in the
history of World War I.
