redrobinbookreviews

Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945   David M. Kennedy
Detailed political history of the United States through the depression and WWII. Very thorough, balanced account of The New Deal, but disappointingly meager information on the actual American people, subtitle should read “The American Government in depression and war”, there’s no social or intellectual history at all. Interesting historical, political, and economic assessment of The New Deal. Good chapter on the buildup to war. Fascinating account of the contortions the Roosevelt administration went through to aid Great Britain while remaining “neutral.” The war is described in only broad strokes and emphasizes major encounters, political as well as military, and Kennedy kind of skips around. Language is a little too flowery for a serious history book, which this is, but that’s not really a criticism. Overall disappointing because even after 858 pages and with all the facts he presents, my understanding of the 16 momentous years described did not grow at all. Too bad.