Calls to Arms: Presidential Speeches, Messages, and Declarations of War

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Calls to Arms: Presidential Speeches, Messages, and Declarations of War is a collection of presidential messages and speeches that called America to war from John Adams and the Quasi-War with France to George W. Bush and the fight against international terrorism in Afghanistan. The documents included here demonstrate the growth of presidential power and show how Congress responded to each call to arms. The selections also reflect the adherence to constitutional requirements and in the case of undeclared war messages, the evolution of extra-constitutional behavior. In addition, the book provides a sample of the popular responses to calls to arms throughout history and provides a handy reference for studying some of the most memorable presidential speeches. A fascinating collection of some of the most important speeches in our country's history, Calls to Arms will appeal to all those interested in American, diplomatic, and military history.

Reviews

A wonderful, well executed. An indispensable reference for students of American history. -- Robert James Maddox, Pennsylvania State University
Professor Buhite has performed an extremely valuable service in bringing these presidential 'calls to arms' together in such a convenient and useful way. Specialists in the military history of the United States will certainly appreciate this book, but any serious student of American ideas, American rhetoric, or American foreign policy will also profit from considering the documents assembled here. It is hard to say what is more fascinating and instructive: the ways these presidential expressions have undergone subtle, but important, changes over time; or the ways in which, right down to the present moment, they have remained so remarkably consistent in their appeals to the American people. -- David W. Levy, University of Oklahoma
With Calls to Arms, Russell D. Buhite, widely known for his writings in American diplomatic history, has made available what will prove to be exceptionally useful. From John Adams to George W. Bush, Buhite brings together the many different public justifications American presidents have given for leading the country into all-out war or for undertaking specific military actions. Calls to Arms should work particularly well in courses on the American presidency and U.S. foreign relations. -- Charles C. Alexander, Ohio University
Recommended. * Choice Reviews *

Author Bio

Russell D. Buhite is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and professor of history at the University of Missouri-Rolla.