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: Paperback / softback
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, needed to participate in the conflict. As a result, relentless propaganda campaigns targeted children, shaping their perceptions and influencing their actions. The scope of total war expanded to encompass children's lives, militarizing their daily existence and occupying their thoughts with conflict.

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 contribute to the overall outcome of the conflict? In what ways did it impact their lives? What did they think about their role in the war?

To address these questions, this history examines the activities of home-front children in the United States during both world wars. It considers recent research to extend the discussion of children's experiences in war, including an examination of comic books, 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, as both observers and, tragically, as participants.

This fully referenced text is of interest to students of war and childhood, as well as to 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 is also for them, providing insights into the experiences of children during times of conflict and the impact that these experiences have on their lives and futures.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433196805
Edition number: 2 Revised edition