America and the Holocaust: A Thirteen-Volume Set

America and the Holocaust is a comprehensive thirteen-volume collection examining the United States' response to the Nazi persecution and genocide of European Jews during World War II. Through extensive primary source documentation and analysis, historian David S. Wyman reconstructs the policies, decisions, and actions of American government officials, institutions, media outlets, and citizens during this period. The collection presents chronological coverage from 1933 through 1945, incorporating diplomatic correspondence, government memoranda, press coverage, public opinion polls, and refugee case files. Each volume focuses on specific aspects of America's engagement with the Holocaust, including immigration policies, State Department communications, War Refugee Board operations, and American Jewish responses. Wyman's research exposes the complex interplay between domestic politics, bureaucratic procedures, and international diplomacy that shaped American actions during the Holocaust crisis. The work serves as a foundational text for understanding institutional and societal responses to genocide, while raising enduring questions about moral responsibility in times of humanitarian catastrophe.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of David S. Wyman's overall work: Readers praise Wyman's thorough research and documentation in "The Abandonment of the Jews," noting his systematic analysis of primary sources and government records. Many reviews highlight his clear presentation of complex historical events and policy decisions. Readers appreciate: - Detailed evidence supporting key arguments - Neutral, academic tone despite emotional subject matter - Extensive use of original documents and sources - Clear explanations of bureaucratic obstacles faced by refugees Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be difficult to follow - Some sections contain overwhelming detail - Limited coverage of certain aspects of refugee assistance efforts On Goodreads, "The Abandonment of the Jews" maintains a 4.3/5 rating from over 500 readers. Amazon reviews average 4.5/5 stars from 150+ reviews. Multiple readers note the book changed their view of America's role during the Holocaust, with one calling it "meticulously researched but devastating to read." A frequent comment is that while demanding, the book rewards careful study with important historical insights.

The Abandonment of the Jews by Richard Breitman This book documents the American government's policies and responses to the Holocaust during World War II, including detailed analysis of opportunities for rescue that were not taken.

IBM and the Holocaust by Edwin Black This work reveals how IBM's technology and business dealings with Nazi Germany facilitated the regime's ability to identify and track victims of the Holocaust.

FDR and the Jews by Richard Breitman, Allan J. Lichtman The book examines Franklin D. Roosevelt's complex relationship with Jewish issues and his administration's response to the Holocaust through newly uncovered primary sources.

The Holocaust in American Life by Peter Novick This study traces how American understanding and memory of the Holocaust evolved from World War II through the end of the twentieth century.

Hitler's American Friends by Bradley W. Hart The text reveals the networks of American sympathizers, businesses, and organizations that supported Nazi Germany before and during World War II.

🔷 Author David S. Wyman was not Jewish, yet became one of the most prominent scholars of the American response to the Holocaust, dedicating over two decades to researching this topic. 🔷 The set includes thousands of previously unpublished documents from the Roosevelt administration, revealing internal debates and policy decisions about helping European Jews during WWII. 🔷 This comprehensive collection demonstrates how American newspapers regularly buried news about the Holocaust in their back pages, even as detailed information about the genocide became available. 🔷 The research reveals that the U.S. State Department deliberately created bureaucratic obstacles that prevented Jewish refugees from obtaining visas, even when immigration quotas weren't filled. 🔷 The publication of this series led to the creation of the David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, which continues to research America's response to the Nazi genocide and contemporary genocide prevention efforts.