War Against War: The American Fight For Peace 1914-1918

"War Against War" is a book that tells the story of the Americans who opposed their country's involvement in World War I. The author, Michael Kazin, describes the efforts of a diverse group of activists from different backgrounds who came together to form one of the largest peace coalitions in US history. They organized demonstrations, exhibitions, and even met with President Woodrow Wilson to try and prevent Congress from authorizing a large increase in the US army. However, their warnings were not heeded and the US eventually entered the war, leading to a tragic outcome and the beginning of a surveillance state. The book is praised for its compelling narrative and its relevance in today's world.

A dramatic account of the Americans who tried to stop their nation from fighting in the First World Warand came close to succeeding.

In this fascinating (Los Angeles Times) narrative, Michael Kazin brings us into the ranks of one of the largest, most diverse, and most sophisticated peace coalitions in US history. The activists came from a variety of backgrounds: wealthy, middle, and working class; urban and rural; white and black; Christian and Jewish and atheist. They mounted street demonstrations and popular exhibitions, attracted prominent leaders from the labor and suffrage movements, ran peace candidates for local and federal office, met with President Woodrow Wilson to make their case, and founded new organizations that endured beyond the cause. For almost three years, they helped prevent Congress from authorizing a massive increase in the size of the US armya step advocated by ex-president Theodore Roosevelt. When the Great Wars bitter legacy led to the next world war, the warnings of these peace activists turned into a tragic prophecyand the beginning of a surveillance state that still endures today.

Peopled with unforgettable characters and written with riveting moral urgency, War Against War is a fine, sorrowful history (The New York Times) and a timely reminder of how easily the will of the majority can be thwarted in even the mightiest of democracies (The New York Times Book Review).