Description: As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Assistant Secretary of War from 1933 to 1936 and Secretary of War from 1936 to 1940, Harry H. Woodring headed the War Department during one of the most critical periods in the nation's history. When he split openly with FDR over key decisions and actions preceding World War II, he earned the dubious distinction of being the only many that Roosevelt ever from his cabinet. Unfortunately, Woodring has become a forgotten figure in the New Deal era. Very few individuals, including historians, know who Harry Woodring was, what he attempted to do, and what he accomplished. This volume, a detailed study of Woodring's political career, provides the first clear picture of this controversial man and reveals a new perspective on the military history and civilian-military relationships of the period.
Brief description: Keith D. McFarland is president emeritus of Texas A&M-Commerce, where he also served as professor of history and dean for graduate studies and research. He is the author or coauthor of three books, including Louis Johnson and the Arming of America: The Roosevelt and Truman Years. This was his first book.
Review Quotes:
"This book is a significant contribution to the literature of the New Deal era. Woodring was a colorful and often controversial public figure who is well worth knowing about. I am impressed by McFarland's objectivity; his work is of such quality that it is not likely any other scholar of our generation will need to cover Woodring."--George H. Lobdell, Ohio University