Available From UC Press

The Meaning of the War to the Americas captures the critical intellectual and moral considerations of World War II's impact on the Western Hemisphere through a series of lectures delivered at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1941. This collection examines the war's political, economic, and cultural implications, seeking to clarify the shared challenges and responsibilities facing the Americas. Drawing on perspectives from philosophy, science, economics, agriculture, strategy, and culture, the lecturers present a multidisciplinary understanding of the war’s significance. Central to these discussions is the resurgence of value-based judgments, reflecting a collective quest for ethical and practical meaning in a chaotic global context. The lectures advocate for decisive actions, informed by reason and guided by democratic principles, to address the multifaceted pressures of the time, from economic disruption to the defense of shared ideals.

The contributors explore a range of pressing themes, from philosophical reflections on isolationism to the strategic imperatives of hemispheric defense. Highlights include Dean Hildebrand's call for scientific ingenuity in warfare, Professor Watkins’s economic strategies for strengthening Pan-American ties, and Professor Wellman’s analysis of agricultural challenges and trade realignments. The series culminates with Professor Barja’s exploration of cultural transformation, emphasizing the emergence of a uniquely American cultural identity shaped by the decline of European dominance. United in their emphasis on proactive engagement and collaboration, the lectures underline the Americas' role in shaping a postwar order that champions democracy, cultural renewal, and shared prosperity. The volume offers both a sober assessment of wartime realities and a hopeful vision for the future, contingent on the triumph of democratic values over totalitarian threats.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1941.