Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon Theme of Patriotism

Patriotism can be a tough quality to nail down—everyone seems to have their own ideas about what it looks like. However, during World War II it was a bit clearer because people found themselves in an us vs. them situation, with us being America, rather than an adherence to a certain belief or political party. So in Bomb: The Race to Build—And Steal—The World's Most Dangerous Weapon, we see some of the sacrifices made in the name of one's country, pride in one's nation, and at the end, the beginning of an era when patriotism begins to evolve into the nuanced and hotly contested thing it is today.

1. In 1945, could a German be patriotic and yet not support the Nazis? Why or why not?
2. There are a bunch of ex-pats in our story. Which of them maintain loyalty to their home country, and who favor idealism over patriotism?
3. Is patriotism always a good thing? Explain, please, and give evidence from the text.
4. How does patriotism evolve from the beginning of the war to the aftermath?

Patriotism always has positive connotations.

Patriotism always has negative connotations.