Tag: World War II

Writing History

Interview with Sarah-Louise Miller on Writing about Women in Wartime and Intelligence

This week, The Footnote interviewed Dr. Sarah-Louise Miller, an experienced historian, author and media consultant, specializing in Second World War history. She is currently based at the Faculty of History, University of Oxford, and is a tutor at the Defence Studies Department, King’s College London. She has recently published The Women Behind the Few; The Women’s Auxiliary Air Force and British Intelligence During the Second … Continue reading Interview with Sarah-Louise Miller on Writing about Women in Wartime and Intelligence

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Writing History

Interview with Dr. John Lisle on his new book, The Dirty Tricks Department

This week, The Footnote interviewed Dr. John Lisle, a historian of Science and the American Intelligence Community from Azle, Texas. He earned a PhD in history from the University of Texas, where he teaches classes on the history of science. His first book, The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare, sheds light on the scientists … Continue reading Interview with Dr. John Lisle on his new book, The Dirty Tricks Department

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Talking History

Hindsight: Reactions from the American Scientific Community on the Deployment of Nuclear Bombs

Reed Uhlik For many monumental historical events, the passage of time often leads to a more unified interpretation and narrative of a specific event. However, the decision by the United States to drop two nuclear bombs on Japan does not follow this historical pattern. In the aftermath, US public opinion grew increasingly divided, notably within the scientific community.  Some members of this community initially sought … Continue reading Hindsight: Reactions from the American Scientific Community on the Deployment of Nuclear Bombs

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Talking History

Radiation’s Residual Effects on Identity

Theo Bammi The first time John Smitherman witnessed a nuclear explosion, it was pure spectacle. Recounting the story for Studs Terkel’s The Good War, Smitherman recalls that even from his vantage point miles away, the “ball of fire” tearing Bikini Atoll apart on July 1, 1946 was indescribable (Terkel 547). The second explosion, however, was less satisfying. Instead of warmth, Smitherman was pelted with a … Continue reading Radiation’s Residual Effects on Identity

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Talking History

To Speak or Not To Speak: The Politics of World War II Collaboration Through Language

Dan Sachs As World War II raged in Europe, the linguistic landscapes of countries and communities were forced to change. While France adapted to German boots on the ground, the Swiss did not suffer any incursions into their territory, but rather faced a new Europe with Germany at its helm. The French spoke not only about the German occupiers, but also used specific language to … Continue reading To Speak or Not To Speak: The Politics of World War II Collaboration Through Language

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