The American Fight for Peace, 1914-1918

Join Michael Kazin for a discussion of his new book, "War Against War," which tells the story of the movement that came close to keeping the United States out of the First World War, and the Americans who tried to stop their nation from fighting in one of history’s most destructive wars.

About the book:

In "War Against War," Michael Kazin brings us into the ranks of the largest, most diverse, and most sophisticated peace coalition up to that point in US history. They came from a variety of backgrounds: wealthy and 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, 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 army - a step advocated by ex-president Theodore Roosevelt. Soon after the end of the Great War, most Americans believed it had not been worth fighting. And when its bitter legacy led to the next world war, the warnings of these peace activists turned into a tragic prophecy - and the beginning of a surveillance state that still endures today. 

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