Unraveling freedom : the battle for democracy on the home front during World War I

Select an Action

Title:

Unraveling freedom : the battle for democracy on the home front during World War I

Author:

Bausum, Ann author.

ISBN:

9781426307027

9781426307034

Publication Information:

Washington, D.C. : National Geographic, c2010.

Physical Description:

88 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 27 cm.

Reading Level:

1250 L Lexile

Subject Term:

World War, 1914-1918 -- Social aspects -- United States.

German Americans -- Social conditions -- 20th century.

Geographic Term:

United States -- Politics and government -- 1913-1921.

Summary:

Looks at how U.S. presidents from Wilson to George W. Bush have suspended or revoked guaranteed freedoms in the country during times of war, and includes first-person stories and illustrations.

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... Hardwood Creek Library (Forest Lake)	J 940.373 BAU	Searching... Unknown
Searching... Stillwater Public Library	J 940.373 BAU	Searching... Unknown

In 1915, the United States experienced the 9/11 of its time. A German torpedo sank the Lusitania killing nearly 2,000 innocent passengers. The ensuing hysteria helped draw the United States into World War I--the bitter, brutal conflict that became known as the Great War and the War to End All Wars. But as U.S. troops fought to make the world safe for democracy abroad, our own government eroded freedoms at home, especially for German-Americans. Free speech was no longer an operating principle of American democracy. Award-winning author Ann Bausum asks, just where do Americans draw the line of justice in times of war?

Drawing thought-provoking parallels with President Wilson's government and other wartime administrations, from FDR to George W. Bush, Bausum's analysis has plenty of history lessons for the world today. Her exhaustive research turns up astonishing first-person stories and rare images, and the full-colour design is fresh and stunning. The result is a gripping book that is well-positioned for the run-up to the World War I centennial.

National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.

Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Author Notes

The National Geographic Kid is curious about the world around them, empowered in the face of challenges and responsible for others and the natural world. Combining these principles with the international educational heritage of Collins, this partnership is a natural fit for books that are funny, weird, exploratory, educational and loved by children.

Reviews (3)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 7 Up-Bausum explores the dichotomy of the United States fighting overseas in the name of democracy while increasingly restricting personal freedoms on its own shores due to paranoia about foreign influence. The erosion of civil liberties led many to question the government's heavy-handed tactics. A well-curated collection of period ephemera adds visual impact. (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Horn Book Review

Bausum provides an informative overview of America's involvement in WWI. She discusses President Wilson's fight to enact laws against "anti-American" activities as an example of how political leaders during a national crisis have attempted to restrict personal freedom in the name of patriotism. Illustrations, photographs, and notes enhance the succinct text. A "Guide to Wartime Presidents" chart is appended. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Writer of the Sibert Honor Book Freedom Riders (2006), Bausum looks at America during the WWI period, when fear and intolerance led to the persecution of German Americans, socialists, and peace activists. Beginning with the sinking of the passenger ship Lusitania by a German submarine, she discusses government propaganda and the mounting public intolerance, outrage, and violence against all things German. New sedition and espionage acts enabled officials to intimidate or imprison those who might disagree with their positions. Without belaboring the point, Bausum connects the dots between responses to the 1915 sinking of the Lusitania and the 2001 bombing of the World Trade Center. Although much of the detail in Bausum's chapter on the Lusitania's sinking seems irrelevant to the main theme, the book as a whole is well focused, well reasoned, and clearly written. Handsomely designed, it features color reproductions of period photos, drawings, paintings, and documents. Back matter includes citations, notes, a bibliography, lists of recommended resources, a detailed time line, and a useful Guide to Wartime Presidents, which identifies eight wartime periods in America and, for each, discusses whether (and how) freedom was curtailed and provides a presidential quote. A fascinating, informative book on a topic of perennial concern.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist

Available:*

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

Summary

Author Notes

Reviews (3)

School Library Journal Review

Horn Book Review

Booklist Review

Helpful Links

Research Links

Contact

Events and Rooms

Follow Us

Today's Hours