Book Review: America: The Last Best Hope (Volume II)
America: The Last Best Hope (Volume II)
By William J. Bennett
America: The Last Best Hope (Vol II) is a very good American history book by William Bennett. Vol II covers American history during the 20th century (from World War I up to the end of Reagan’s second term).
I enjoyed it for two (2) primary reasons:
First, being a child of the eighties (aka post-Watergate, post-Vietnam), history tended to be taught in more of a world perspective. That in and of itself was not bad, but a lot of American history tends to be glossed over (in particular the timeframe that this book covers). We all know that FDR was instrumental in leading the US to victory in World War II - but how many American schoolchildren are taught about the relationship FDR had with the “honorary American” Winston Churchill. The friendship between these two men helped forge an alliance that fought fascism around the globe.
After the attack at Pearl Harbor, Churchill rushed to Washington and spent a month living in the White House consulting with the President. There are many humorous stories in the book regarding Churchill’s visit/stay, but I enjoyed this one the most:
Churchill asked FDR if he could bring the British Marines in for a tour (of the White House). “Hell no!” FDR roared without missing a beat. “The last time they were here, they burned the place”.
FDR was referring to the burning of the White House by Royal Marines during the War of 1812.
Second, the details of the relationships and lives of important Americans - Woodrow Wilson, FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, JFK, Johnson, RFK, MLK, Nixon, Carter, Reagan - are written about in such vivid detail that you end up getting a fresh perspective on these men, their families, and the trials and tribulations they went through leading our country.
If you want a detailed, vivid account of American history (warts and all) definitely get this book. If you want to supplement your children’s American history education, definitely get this book.
