Freedom Struggles

Main Themes and Topics

Freedom Struggles by Adriane Lentz-Smith explores the pivotal period during and after World War I, focusing on the African American soldiers who were part of the American Expeditionary Forces. The book delves into how these soldiers' experiences abroad and interactions with French civilians and colonial African troops ignited a renewed push for civil rights upon their return to the United States. Central themes include the fight for full citizenship rights, the impact of racial segregation, and the broader quest for democracy that African Americans engaged in during this era.

Lentz-Smith emphasizes the internal conflicts that arose within the military, highlighting the racial tensions between black and white soldiers. She also describes the larger societal riots and racial clashes that unfolded across the United States as African Americans challenged the entrenched caste system. The book situates African Americans at the nexus of social, military, and international history during a critical moment of change.

Writing Style and Tone

Adriane Lentz-Smith's writing style in Freedom Struggles is both engaging and scholarly. Her narrative successfully combines rigorous historical research with compelling storytelling, making the complex and often overlooked aspects of World War I accessible to readers. The tone is authoritative yet empathetic, providing a voice to the African American soldiers and activists whose stories have been marginalized in traditional historical accounts.

Brief Summary

Freedom Struggles provides a detailed account of the experiences of 200,000 African American soldiers during World War I and their subsequent role in the civil rights movement. The book highlights their interactions with diverse groups in Europe and the resultant shift in their perception of race and democracy. On returning to a segregated America, these soldiers became pivotal in advocating for equal rights, transitioning from attempts to earn respect to outright demands for equality. Lentz-Smith's work illuminates this transformative journey and reclaims World War I as a significant era in the broader struggle for freedom and equality.