Children, War and Propaganda, Revised Edition

The use of children in war has been a troubling development of the past century, with World War I being the first total war of modern times. This history examines the activities of home-front children in the United States during both world wars, including an examination of comic books, fitness standards, and Boy Scouts. It also moves the work beyond the United States to consider activities of children in twenty-first-century wars, as observers and, tragically, as participants.

Format: Hardback
Length: 326 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

The use of children in warfare has been a distressing trend that has emerged in the past century, particularly during World War I and World War II. These wars marked the first instances of total warfare, where governments believed that everyone, including children, had to participate in the conflict. Consequently, relentless propaganda campaigns targeted children, emphasizing their role in the war effort and the importance of their contributions.

However, the contributions of children during wartime have often been overlooked or ignored. What were they expected to do? How were they persuaded to participate in the war? How did their involvement impact their lives and the course of the war? These are the questions that this history seeks to answer by examining the activities of home-front children in the United States during both world wars.

This revised edition of the book takes into account recent research that has shed new light on children's experiences in war. It includes an examination of comic books, which were popular among children during these times, as well as fitness standards and the role of Boy Scouts and other groups for children. The book also extends its scope beyond the United States to consider activities of children in twenty-first-century wars, both as observers and, tragically, as participants.

This fully referenced text is intended for students of war and childhood, as well as for a general audience interested in how children respond to war. Many Americans experienced war as children, and many others have parents who did. This book provides valuable insights into the experiences of children during times of conflict and offers a deeper understanding of the impact that war can have on their lives and futures.

Weight: 547g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433196775
Edition number: 2 Revised edition