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

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.

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. Each individual in his or her own way grappled with the difficulties of the times. Some of those included here were well known in their day and afterwards, but many led lives now obscured by the passage of time. In these essays are men and women, African-Americans, Hispanics, whites, and Native Americans from all regions of the country. 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.

Providing a rich portrait through biography of the interwar yearsThe Human Tradition in America between the Wars is an excellent text for the following courses: Twentieth Century American History to 1945, American history survey, the Depression and the New Deal, and American social and cultural history.

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