The Year of Peril: America in 1942 Hardcover – May 19, 2020

Interesting and original report on how the American population and its leaders met--or failed to meet--the exigencies of WWII at the start--the first year.. Not everyone acted honorably. For example, It is difficult to understand today the inhumane treatment of Blacks, especially within the army. And not everyone supported the war effort or the sacrifices necessary to create the overwhelming military forces required to win it. Mr. Campbell pulls no punches. In the beginning there was widespread fear that US cities would experience bombings like London was suffering through, or that Japan would invade or bomb the West Coast. Retooling factories to produce tanks and planes instead of cars and refrigerators was not a slam dunk. As a bit of deja vu, he recounts the myriad of conspiracy theories circulated even decades before the invention of the Internet. They were vicious and targets included citizens who were Asians (not just Japanese), Italians, Germans, Blacks and, of course, Jews.A few minor carps. Mr. Campbell spends too much time discussing income tax issues--they will bore even a tax attorney, Also he makes several mistakes about military events. He reports that in 1942 German U-boats sank a number of ships inside NY harbor and that Rommel's troops had gainfed control of the Suez Canal. Neither claim is correct. On the other hand he makes only passing reference to the staggering defeat of British forces in Singapore by Japanese forces less than half the size of the defenders in Feruary 1942. That changed the whole complexion of the war in the Pacific and what the US would have do to win it. A bit more of explanation here would have been helpful.Nevertheless, a worthwhile read.

The Year of Peril: America in 1942 is an excellent account of one year during WWII. Each chapter represents a month in chronological order. The author touches on what was going on in the FDR administration, Congress, and nationally as America and democracy faced its great challenge for survival. At times the writing is a bit dry and academic with statistics, quotes, and asides. But when the author touches on racism and the Jim Crow South you can the roots of the modern day Civil Rights movement. It was fascinating to read first hand accounts of the pervasive fear that had swept across country after the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Well researched and a quick read.

A very clinical read. While it doesn't flow like some books from the same period, "The Year of Peril: America in 1942" provides an exhaustive look at the cause and effect of governance in that year. The experience of the officials and the trust and confidence in them brought this country to ultimate victory in World War II. There were real dangers that the public did not realize and how the government had to deal with them behind the scenes. The more the reader can appreciate the intricacies of governmental process during wartime, the more they will appreciate it. Also revealed were the extent of penetration to the American homeland of enemy combatants and the swiftness of justice once apprehended.

I have read and traveled for years studying the World from 1914-1950. A time in history that defined generations of humans. I saw this book reviewed in the Wall Street Journal and ordered it. For me I have not read a more compact history of the US covering what happened to this country after Pearl Harbor as an entire country was was changed at every level of society in twelve months.I have bought over seven copies of the book and given them to friends and family who ask me questions about history during this time. I think this book helps put a perspective on all the challenges we face today.

Loved this book, especially because I did not appreciate how the political arguments of today re Covid, Trump, voting,etc. are nothing new. In 1942 America struggled internally, as well as on the battle field, to sort how best to deal with a national crisis. Today, some Americans think the pandemic is a hoax; in 1942 some thought we should make peace with Hitler. Today, we argue about high taxes. In 1942 police in Alabama detailed and beat up a American Army lieutenant; for being black. Some things change too slowly.I thank the author for revealing these details of the "war behind the battlefield."

if you are a baby-boomer or close you probably remember tidbits about life in the US during the WWll. Born in 1943. I actually saw my father for the first time when he came home after the war. I remember the day he arrived at Union Station in St. Louis and facets of how things were in the early days after the war. I found this book overflowing with details that help me understand what my mother and grandmother went through during that period. Great Book! I recommend it to anyone who wants to really experience what living at that time was like.

An enjoyable and interesting read as the author charts developments in USA in 1942, month by month.Topics covered include the changing economy in war, social issues including of course race discrimination - the Atlantic Charter did not cover negroes in America - nor citizens of Japanese ancestry.Worrying is a major error of fact - p101 - German troops held the Suez Canal. They didn't!One wonders therefore what other errors are located within the text.

As a nine-year old in 1942, I was hooked on the progression of the war, avidly following daily news items on the fighting in the Pacific and in Europe. However, I had little understanding of what was going on in my country, even when my family was impacted by rationing and shortages of everything. The author has filled in this void with his almost daily accounts of events on the home front in 1942. I now feel enlightened on the racial, social, economic, and political issues that divided the country in that indeed perilous year, all presented in a very readable way.

I was attracted to this book as a result of reading a very positive review in the New York Times. It just goes to show you can't always trust the critics. Generally, I found this book quite boring. Although short, the bulk of the book focused on economics and government regulations: lots of numbers, numbers, numbers. What the author does best is illustrate that despite the gravity of the situation in 1942, the priority of southern states was the preservation of Jim Crow laws at all costs. The books also suffers from some very sloppy history, for example the author's assertion that Germany captured the Suez Canal. Interestingly, while he points out that in 1942 the Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians, he makes no mention of the Japanese invasion and occupation of the islands of Attu and Kiska, one would think more significant. This is not a book I will keep on my shelves.