¶ … Generation by Tom Brokaw
Bibliographic Information
The Greatest Generation. Tom Brokaw. New York: Random House, 1998. 412 pages.
Author's Thesis
The author argues that the generation of Americans who fought World War II, maintained society at home during World War II, overcame the Great Depression and rebuilt the nation of America after the war are the "greatest generation any society has ever produced." The author argues that this generation is often undervalued for their contributions, when they did in fact, give us the lives we live today and create an American society with more to offer than any in the past.
Evidence to Support Thesis.
The book is designed to pay tribute to and make people aware of just what this generation of men and women did for America and how they contributed to the society we have today. The author describes how these men and women battled through World War II, including the battle of war and the battle at home to keep the country functioning. These men and women then returned home and fought to rebuild the nation, uniting in their efforts and never expecting recognition for their efforts. The author describes how the actions of these men and women resulted in the rebuilding of America, giving current society the benefits it enjoys today.
The author makes these points by presenting the personal accounts of a variety of people involved in World War II and the Great Depression. These accounts are primarily of well-known individuals and individuals who became leaders or made great achievements, though there are also some accounts of ordinary people. In all cases, the stories told represents some achievement, whether it be becoming the first woman to find a career other than homemaking, the brave and heroic action of a soldier, or the actions of an individual in contributing to rebuilding society.
The story of Charles Van Gorder, who set up a medical facility in the war and then created a hospital in his hometown in America, is one that shows what people did...
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