American Crusade

Main Themes and Topics

American Crusade by Benjamin J. Wetzel delves into the complex interplay between religion and warfare in American history. The book explores how white Protestant ministers perceived the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I as holy crusades, framing these conflicts as morally and theologically justified. Wetzel contrasts this perspective with the more critical stances of religious minorities such as Catholics, German-speaking Lutherans, and African American Methodists. Through these comparisons, Wetzel highlights how different theological views and social contexts contributed to varying attitudes towards war. A significant theme in the book is the examination of religious understandings of national identity and how these influenced both support for and opposition to conflict.

Writing Style and Tone

Wetzel's writing is scholarly yet accessible, making complex theological and historical ideas understandable for a broad audience. His tone is analytical, maintaining an objective stance as he compares and contrasts differing religious views. The book is well-researched, drawing on a wide variety of sources, including contemporary sermons and writings from religious leaders and laypeople. This thorough approach allows Wetzel to effectively support his arguments and provide a nuanced analysis of the topics discussed.

Brief Summary

American Crusade examines the role of religion in shaping attitudes towards three major American wars—the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I. Wetzel argues that these conflicts represented a 'holy war' mentality among white Protestant leaders who viewed them as modern-day crusades. The book contrasts this viewpoint with the more hesitant attitudes of religious minorities, highlighting the diversity of religious perspectives on warfare. By questioning traditional historical periodizations, Wetzel offers a fresh interpretation of these wars as interconnected events shaped by religious ideologies.