Unraveling Freedom

This non-fiction work chronicles the domestic front of the United States during World War I, specifically focusing on the erosion of civil liberties. It details the passage of the Espionage and Sedition Acts, the rise of government-sanctioned vigilante groups like the American Protective League, and the targeted persecution of German Americans, socialists, and pacifists. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly and realistically with historical racism and xenophobia. It documents incidents of mob violence, public humiliation, and the systemic stripping of rights. The approach is secular and academic, providing a sobering but necessary look at human rights violations. EMOTIONAL ARC: The narrative begins with the build-up of patriotic fervor and quickly transitions into a heavy, unsettling exploration of paranoia and injustice. It ends on a reflective note, offering an afterword that evaluates the long-term legacy of these events on the American presidency and the Constitution. IDEAL READER: A 14-year-old student who is passionate about social justice or debate, particularly one who is starting to see the 'grey areas' in history and wants to understand how systemic bias functions. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might notice their child feeling cynical about government or frustrated by stories of modern discrimination and want to provide historical context. PARENT PREP: Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of 'un-American' activities and perhaps preview the sections on mob violence to facilitate a conversation about bystander intervention. AGE EXPERIENCE: Middle schoolers will focus on the unfairness of the individual stories, while high schoolers will better grasp the complex legal and political machinations behind the suspension of rights. DIFFERENTIATOR: Bausum focuses specifically on the 'Home Front' battle for democracy, making it a rare and focused deep-dive into domestic civil liberties rather than military strategy.