The Marine Corps has always considered itself a breed apart. Since 1775; America’s smallest armed service has been suspicious of outsiders and deeply loyal to its traditions. Marines believe in nothing more strongly than the Corps’ uniqueness and superiority; and this undying faith in its own exceptionalism is what has made the Marines one of the sharpest; swiftest tools of American military power. Along with unapologetic self-promotion; a strong sense of identity has enabled the Corps to exert a powerful influence on American politics and culture. Aaron O’Connell focuses on the period from World War II to Vietnam; when the Marine Corps transformed itself from America’s least respected to its most elite armed force. He describes how the distinctive Marine culture played a role in this ascendancy. Venerating sacrifice and suffering; privileging the collective over the individual; Corps culture was saturated with romantic and religious overtones that had enormous marketing potential in a postwar America energized by new global responsibilities. Capitalizing on this; the Marines curried the favor of the nation’s best reporters; befriended publishers; courted Hollywood and Congress; and built a public relations infrastructure that would eventually brand it as the most prestigious military service in America. But the Corps’ triumphs did not come without costs; and O’Connell writes of those; too; including a culture of violence that sometimes spread beyond the battlefield. And as he considers how the Corps’ interventions in American politics have ushered in a more militarized approach to national security; O’Connell questions its sustainability.
#654036 in Books Harvard University Press 2010-04-10 2010-03-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.30 x 6.10l; 1.45 #File Name: 0674047435472 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... trophy for writings not only this book but others like it. I was deeply interested in reading it ...By Louise KimbrelI heard this author speak at an event in which he was awarded a humanities trophy for writings not only this book but others like it. I was deeply interested in reading it because I like history of this country. He writes with such clarity that it holds the readers interest in every chapter.I learned the impact that Mormons had on the native Americans beginning in the 1700's and beyond. The descriptions of the landscape at that time makes one feel like they are right there. One of the points that came to me was how this part of American history was not addressed in school yet it is a vital part of the western frontier. I highly recommend reading this true saga that is part of America today.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Great readingBy WesI saw this book mentioned on a blog; and thought I would pick it up. I have lived in Utah for 43 years; and have always felt that there is something magical to this area of the world as far as the terrain is considered. What I would give to see Utah and the western region before modern man enveloped it. This book is a terrific history to imagine just that. What it was like before modern man moved westward. I really enjoyed the history; and the way it was written. Never boring; always moving in a direction. Very enjoyable read; and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys the Utah region and historical significance.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Should be required reading for all Utah Valley schools.By loraineThis book is a valuable resource that I have enjoyed reading; referencing; and arguing with people about. I plan to read it several more times.
