Advisor(s)

Gerald H. Herman

Contributor(s)

William M. Fowler

Date of Award

2012

Date Accepted

4-2012

Degree Grantor

Northeastern University

Degree Level

M.A.

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department or Academic Unit

College of Social Sciences and Humanitites, Department of History

Keywords

history, world history, civilians, firebombing, internment camps, rape in war, war economy, World War Two

Disciplines

History | United States History

Abstract

This research paper discusses the role of the civilian in twentieth century warfare, using World War Two as a framework. The goal is to compel the reader to re-examine the idealized conceptualization of the nature and status of the civilian in war by using real-life examples. Five case studies dealing with concentration camps in the United States, medical experimentation by the Japanese in China, rape warfare used by the Soviets in Germany, strategic and incendiary bombing of Japan by the United States, and the mobilization of the civilians as labor for war in Great Britain show that the civilian is not exempt from being specifically targeted in war or waging war themselves through means other than combat. All of these studies selected represent events that could be observed occurring in other places with other armies and civilian populations. Looking at these experiences and attempting to reconcile them with the humanitarian, popular, and legal concepts of the civilian forces one to question whether the construct is realistic.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights Information

copyright 2012

Rights Holder

Joyce E. Jackson


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