How History Was Used in the Wars of the Twentieth Century: Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace

How History Was Used in the Wars of the Twentieth Century: Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace explores how historical thinking influenced war and peace decisions in Germany and the United States, examining the writing and public careers of leading historians. It seeks to understand where history has succeeded and failed in understanding war and peace efforts and how these lessons and perspectives can influence the present.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

How History Was Used in the Wars of the Twentieth Century: Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace delves into the profound influence of historical thinking on the decisions for war and peace in Germany and the United States during the twentieth century. It explores the writings and public careers of the foremost historians in these two nations, seeking to understand where the discipline of history has succeeded and failed in comprehending the complexities of war and the ongoing efforts to establish lasting peace.

Robert J. Norrell argues that analyzing these successes and failures is crucial in gaining insights into war and the pursuit of peace. This book serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of historians, policymakers, and the general public to understanding the past and how these lessons and perspectives can shape the present and future.

In Germany, the rise of historical thinking during the nineteenth century played a significant role in shaping the country's approach to war and peace. Historians such as Heinrich von Treitschke and Otto von Bismarck emphasized the importance of national history and the lessons learned from past conflicts to guide decision-making in the present. This emphasis on historical continuity and learning from the past contributed to Germany's relative stability and prosperity in the interwar period.

However, the rise of totalitarianism in Germany under Adolf ****** and the subsequent outbreak of World War II challenged the dominance of historical thinking. ****** and his followers sought to rewrite history, dismissing the lessons of the past and promoting a vision of a "new order" based on racial superiority and militarism. This disregard for history led to the catastrophic consequences of the war, including the Holocaust and the loss of millions of lives.

In the United States, historical thinking also played a significant role in shaping the country's approach to war and peace. Historians such as John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of civil rights and social justice as key components of national identity and security. This emphasis on human rights and social equality contributed to the civil rights movement and the struggle for racial equality in the United States.

However, the United States also faced challenges to its commitment to historical thinking during the twentieth century. The Cold War, for example, led to a focus on national security and the threat of communism, which sometimes overshadowed the importance of human rights and social justice. The Vietnam War also raised questions about the use of military force and the costs of war.

Despite these challenges, historical thinking continued to play a role in shaping American foreign policy and decision-making. Historians such as Barbara Tuchman and Samuel P. Huntington emphasized the importance of understanding the origins of conflicts and the historical patterns that can influence future events. This understanding helped policymakers navigate the complexities of the Cold War and the challenges of the post-Cold War era.

In conclusion, the wars of the twentieth century were marked by profound historical influences. Historical thinking played a crucial role in shaping decisions for war and peace in Germany and the United States. While historical thinking has contributed to understanding the past and guiding decision-making in the present, it has also faced challenges and controversies. The lessons learned from the wars of the twentieth century should be used to inform future efforts to promote peace and stability and to prevent the recurrence of historical errors.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 161 x 238 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666941968