American Ordeal - (Syracuse Studies on Peace and Conflict Resolution) by Charles DeBenedetti (Paperback)

About the Book

The first interpretive history that covers the antiwar movement in this country throughout the entire Vietnam era. Richly illustrated with compelling photographs of the times, the book chronicles the war struggle that provoked a struggle about America.

Book Synopsis

An American Ordeal is the first comprehensive interpretive history of the antiwar movement in the United States throughout the Vietnam era. Beginning with the rise of a liberal peace movement against atmospheric nuclear testing from 1955 to 1963, the authors describe the emergence of radical pacifists and politically motivated groups who eventually created a diverse coalition against the Vietnam War. They examine how extremist elements came to dominate the movement in the late 1960s, to be supplanted by a larger consensus of liberal and pacifist groups in the early 1970s.

Review Quotes

An American Ordeal appears at a time when there is a growing revival of interest in the Vietnam War--without, however, the existence of any solid study of opposition to that war. It provides a fair--minded, objective appraisal, one that will stand the test of time. Written by two of the foremost analysts of the American peace movement, this book should have considerable appeal to scholars, to students, and to the general public.-- "Lawrence Wittner, author of Rebels Against War"

A definitive, social, cultural, and historical analysis of the cycle of protest during the Vietnam era.-- "Booklist"

About the Author

Charles DeBenedetti is the author of Origins of the Modem American Peace Movement, 1915-1929 and The Peace Reform in American History, and editor of Peace Heroes in Twentieth-Century America.