More precious than peace : a new history of America in World War I

**Justus D. Doenecke’s monumental study covers diplomatic, military, and ideological aspects of U.S. involvement as a full-scale participant in World War I.** The entry of America into the “war to end all wars” in April 1917 marks one of the major turning points in the nation's history. In the span of just nineteen months, the United States sent nearly two million troops overseas, established a robust propaganda apparatus, and created an unparalleled war machine that played a major role in securing Allied victory in the fall of 1918. At the helm of the nation, Woodrow Wilson and his administration battled against political dissidence, domestic and international controversies, and their own lack of experience leading a massive war effort. In __More Precious than Peace__, the long-awaited successor to his critically acclaimed work __Nothing Less than War__, Justus D. Doenecke examines the entirety of the American experience as a full-scale belligerent in World War I. This book covers American combat on the western front, the conscription controversy, and scandals in military training and production. Doenecke explores the Wilson administration's quest for national unity, the Creel Committee, and "patriotic" crusades. Weaving together these topics and many others, including the U.S. reaction to the Russian revolutions, Doenecke creates a lively and comprehensive narrative. Based on impressive research, this balanced appraisal challenges historiographical controversies and will be of great use to students, scholars, and any reader interested in the history of World War I. Cover Half Title Title Page Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgments Abbreviations in the Notes Maps Introduction ONE Raising an Army TWO The Naval War THREE Mr. Creel Administers a Committee FOUR Legislating Unity FIVE The Ramparts We Watch SIX Foes of Our Own Household SEVEN The Anti-Radical Crusade EIGHT “Living on a Volcano”: Russia Amid Revolution NINE “Walking on Eggs”: The Decision to Intervene TEN Wrestling with War Aims, 1917 ELEVEN Wilson’s Peace Offensive, 1918 TWELVE The Matter of Preparation THIRTEEN Checking Ludendorff FOURTEEN Towards Allied Victory FIFTEEN Final Negotiations with the Germans SIXTEEN The Colonel’s Last Mission SEVENTEEN “Not Ordinary Times”: The 1918 Elections EIGHTEEN Armistice Conclusion Notes Bibliographic Essay Index