To Win the Peace

Main Themes and Topics

To Win the Peace by Susan Ann Brewer delves into the British government's extensive propaganda efforts in the United States during the final years of World War II. The book's primary focus is on how Britain sought to influence American public opinion to garner support for a postwar Anglo-American alliance. One of the central themes is the geopolitical shift in which the United States supplanted Britain as the leading global power, and how Britain attempted to manage this transition to its advantage. Brewer explores the narratives employed by British propagandists to connect British and American interests, especially concerning the future of the British Empire and postwar economic recovery.

Brewer also addresses the challenges faced by British officials, particularly the skepticism in the United States regarding international postwar commitments. She highlights the complex dynamics of conducting propaganda within a democracy, considering the historical context, including the legacy of World War I, which influenced public opinion and policy.

Writing Style and Tone

Susan Ann Brewer's writing style in To Win the Peace is both scholarly and accessible. She provides a detailed examination of historical events while ensuring that her analysis remains engaging for the reader. The tone of the book is analytical, backed by rigorous research, as Brewer delves deep into archives and historical records to substantiate her claims. Her ability to translate complex political maneuvers and historical contexts into an understandable narrative demonstrates her skill as a historian and writer.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

To Win the Peace analyzes the strategic efforts of the British government to sway American public opinion between 1942 and 1945. With a looming Allied victory in World War II, Britain was keen to ensure that the United States would continue to collaborate postwar, especially as it became the predominant global power. Through propaganda led by journalists, professors, and businessmen, Britain aimed to solidify an Anglo-American partnership. Brewer intricately details how these efforts were framed to align British and American interests and the obstacles Britain encountered, including a wary American public and the democratic nature of propaganda dissemination.