How Long to Read Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists

How Long Does it Take to Read Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists?

It takes the average reader 2 hours and 40 minutes to read Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists by Robert H. Ferrell

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

The idea of revising what is known of the past constitutes an essential procedure in historical scholarship, but revisionists are often hasty and argumentative in their judgments. Such, argues Robert H. Ferrell, has been the case with assessments of the presidency of Harry S. Truman, who was targeted by historians and political scientists in the 1960s and ’70s for numerous failings in both domestic and foreign policy, including launching the cold war—perceptions that persist to the present day. Widely acknowledged as today’s foremost Truman scholar, Ferrell turns the tables on the revisionists in this collection of classic essays. He goes below the surface appearances of history to examine how situations actually developed and how Truman performed sensibly—even courageously—in the face of unforeseen crises. While some revisionists see Truman as consumed by a blind hatred of the Soviet Union and adopting an unrestrainedly militant stance, Ferrell convincingly shows that Truman wished to get along with the Soviets and was often bewildered by their actions. He interprets policies such as the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and support for NATO as prudent responses to perceived threats and credits the Truman administration for the ways in which it dealt with unprecedented problems. What emerges most vividly from Ferrell’s essays is a sense of how weak a hand the United States held from 1945 to1950, with its conventional forces depleted by the return of veterans to civil pursuits after the war and with its capacity for delivery of nuclear weapons in a sorry state. He shows that Truman regarded the atomic bomb as a weapon of last resort, not an instrument of policy, and that he took America into a war in Korea for the good of the United States and its allies. Although Truman has been vindicated on many of these issues, there still remains a lingering controversy over the use of atomic weapons in Japan—a decision that Ferrell argues is understandable in light of what Truman faced at the start of his presidency. Ferrell argues that the revisionists who attacked Truman understood neither the times nor the man—one of the most clearheaded, farsighted presidents ever to occupy the Oval Office. Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists shows us that Truman’s was indeed a remarkable presidency, as it cautions historians against too quickly appraising the very recent past.

How long is Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists?

Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists by Robert H. Ferrell is 160 pages long, and a total of 40,000 words.

This makes it 54% the length of the average book. It also has 49% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 3 hours and 38 minutes to read Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists aloud.

What Reading Level is Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists?

Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists?

Harry S. Truman and the Cold War Revisionists by Robert H. Ferrell is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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