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.
Justus D. Doenecke is professor emeritus of history at New College of Florida. He is the author of numerous books, including Storm on the Horizon: The Challenge to American Intervention, 1939-1941, winner of the Herbert Hoover Book Award, and Nothing Less than War: A New History of America's Entry into World War I.
Abbreviations Acknowledgements Introduction 1. Raising an Army 2. The Naval War 3. Mr. Creel Administers a Committee 4. Legislating Unity 5. The Ramparts We Watch 6. Foes of Our Own Household 7. The Anti-Radical Crusade 8. "Living on a Volcano": Russia Amid Revolution 9. "Walking on Eggs": The Decision to Intervene 10. Wrestling with War Aims, 1917 11. Wilson's Peace Offensive, 1918 12. The Matter of Preparation 13. Checking Ludendorff 14. Towards Allied Victory 15. Final Negotiations with the Germans 16. The Colonel's Last Mission 18. Armistice Conclusion Bibliographical Essay
"[More Precious than Peace] offers well-chosen anecdotes to bring wartime debates to life. . . . an enjoyable read." -Journal of Military History "Justus Doenecke is a reliable and stimulating expositor and interpreter of the history of the United States in the crucial era of World War I."-Anglican and Episcopal History "Doenecke makes clear that despite historical analysis of President Woodrow Wilson as a dynamic and intellectual wartime leader, Wilson had major flaws that corresponded with the eventual dissolution of US foreign policy following the war." -Choice "Doenecke draws from the words of participants-pundits, politicians, soldiers, activists-as well as historians who came before him, weighing their comments and presenting balanced conclusions." -Shepherd Express "The past decade has seen numerous books related to the First World War published in conjunction with its centennial. What separates Doenecke's from its predecessors is his willingness to give a podium to dissent." -The American Conservative "Justus Doenecke's depth of research and knowledge of secondary sources covering the early 20th century in the U.S. greatly strengthens this book, More Precious Than Peace." -Naval Historical Foundation "Justus D. Doenecke has written a masterful synthesis of Wilson's wartime leadership that digs deeply into the challenges his administration faced from conscription to censorship at home and from war to peace in diplomacy. More Precious than Peace will immediately become the go-to book for those new to the history of World War I as well as for specialists who need answers on specific questions. Here is political history in the grand tradition." -Lloyd Gardner, author of Killing Machine "An excellent treatment of America's role as a belligerent in World War I. It is thoughtful, insightful, and comprehensive." -John Milton Cooper, Jr., author of Woodrow Wilson: A Biography, a Pulitzer Prize finalist in biography "Anyone seeking a comprehensive history of the involvement of the United States in World War I should read this book." -Lloyd E. Ambrosius, author of Wilsonianism
