The Human Tradition in America between the Wars, 1920-1945

Donald W. Whisenhunt is professor of history at Western Washington University and has published widely.

American society in the years from 1920 to 1945 experienced great transformation and upheaval. Significant changes in the role of government, in the nation's world outlook, in the economy, in technology, and in the social order challenged those who lived in this tumultuous period framed by the two world wars. This transformation lies at the core of this collection of biographical essays. Written by leading and rising scholars, these never-before-published pieces provide students with a greater understanding of a period that in many ways represents an important last chapter in the creation of modern America.

Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 A.J. Muste: Portrait of a Twentieth-Century Pacifist Chapter 3 Zora Neale Hurston: Folklorist and Storyteller Chapter 4 Jimmie Rodgers: The Singing Brakeman Chapter 5 Ma Rainey: Mother of the Blues Chapter 6 William Lewis Paul: Tlingit Advocate Chapter 7 Marshall Keeble: An African-American Evangelist Faces Prejudice Chapter 8 Elaine Goodale Eastman: Author and Indian Reformer Chapter 9 Dennis Chavez: The Last of the "Patrones" Chapter 10 Frances Perkins: Always Working for Labor Chapter 11 Meridel Le Sueur: A Voice for Working-Class Women Chapter 12 Gerald L. K. Smith: Political Activist, Candidate, and Preacher of Hate Chapter 13 Emma Tenayuca: Labor and Civil Rights Organizer of 1930s San Antonio Chapter 14 Henry S. Aurand: Student, Teacher, and Practitioner of U.S. Army Logistics Chapter 15 Oveta Culp Hobby: Director of the Wartime Women's Army Corps Chapter 16 Ernie Pyle: From a "Worm's-Eye View" Chapter 17 Index