Susan Brewer is an American historian, author, and educator best known for her work on American foreign relations and the history of war propaganda. Throughout her academic career, she has earned recognition for producing thoughtful research that examines how governments shape public opinion during times of conflict. Her books and scholarly work have contributed significantly to the understanding of American diplomacy, nationalism, and historical memory.
Although several individuals share the name Susan Brewer, the historian Susan A. Brewer stands out because of her extensive contributions to the field of history and her decades-long career as a professor and researcher.
Early Life and Education
Susan A. Brewer was born in Oneida, New York. From an early age, she developed an interest in history and the forces that shape societies. Her passion for understanding the past eventually led her to pursue higher education in American studies and international history.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Allegheny College. Seeking a broader perspective on global affairs, Brewer continued her studies at the London School of Economics, where she obtained a master’s degree in International History. She later completed her Ph.D. in American History at Cornell University, one of the leading institutions in the United States for historical scholarship.
Her educational background provided the foundation for a career that would focus on American foreign policy, propaganda, and national identity.
Academic Career
Susan Brewer spent much of her professional life teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. From 1990 until her retirement in 2015, she served as a professor of history and specialized in American foreign relations. During those twenty-five years, she taught numerous courses covering American history and international affairs.
Her students and colleagues recognized her for her dedication to teaching and her ability to explain complex historical issues in an accessible manner. Brewer’s work consistently emphasized the importance of understanding the relationship between politics, culture, and public opinion.
Even after retiring from full-time teaching, she remained active as a writer and researcher.
Specialization in American Foreign Relations
One of Susan Brewer’s primary areas of expertise is American foreign relations. This field examines how the United States interacts with other countries and how political leaders influence public support for international policies.
Brewer has focused particularly on the role of propaganda in shaping public attitudes toward war. Her research explores how governments and political leaders use language, symbols, and media to build support for military conflicts.
Her work highlights the importance of critical thinking and historical awareness when evaluating political messages and national narratives.
Author of Why America Fights
Among Susan Brewer’s most influential works is Why America Fights: Patriotism and War Propaganda from the Philippines to Iraq. Published by Oxford University Press in 2009, the book investigates how American leaders have used propaganda to justify military actions over more than a century.
The book examines several major conflicts, including:
- The Philippine-American War
- World War I
- World War II
- The Vietnam War
- The Iraq War
Brewer analyzes how presidents and government officials presented these wars to the American public and how concepts such as patriotism and national security were employed to gain public support.
Historians and scholars have praised the book for providing a comprehensive look at the relationship between propaganda and American foreign policy.
Research on British Propaganda During World War II
Another major contribution by Susan Brewer is her book To Win the Peace: British Propaganda in the United States During World War II. Published by Cornell University Press, the book explores Britain’s efforts to influence American public opinion during the Second World War.
The study examines how British officials collaborated with journalists, educators, and other influential figures to promote closer cooperation between the United States and Great Britain.
Through extensive research, Brewer demonstrated that propaganda played a significant role in shaping international alliances and public perceptions during wartime.
Continuing Research and Historical Projects
Retirement did not mark the end of Susan Brewer’s scholarly work. Instead, she devoted more time to research projects that combined personal history with broader themes in American society.
One of her most recent projects focuses on land ownership and identity in Oneida Indian territory in New York State. This research investigates the historical relationships between Native American communities and European settlers.
Her book The Best Land explores generations of history connected to a particular piece of land and the families who lived there. Through this work, Brewer addresses themes such as cultural identity, colonialism, and historical memory.
These projects demonstrate her continuing commitment to uncovering overlooked stories and presenting history from multiple perspectives.
Contributions Beyond Teaching
Throughout her career, Susan Brewer has participated in numerous conferences, workshops, museums, libraries, and historical societies. She has delivered presentations across the United States and internationally, sharing her research with scholars, students, and members of the public.
She has also maintained professional affiliations with organizations such as:
- The American Historical Association
- The Organization of American Historians
- The Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations
These associations have allowed her to contribute to ongoing discussions about the interpretation and teaching of history.
Life Outside Academia
Today, Susan Brewer resides in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York with her husband, Bob Erickson. Despite retiring from university teaching, she continues to write and conduct historical research.
Her life reflects a dedication to scholarship, education, and preserving historical understanding. Rather than stepping away from intellectual pursuits, she has continued exploring new topics and sharing her insights with readers and fellow historians.
Legacy and Influence
Susan Brewer’s work has had a lasting impact on the study of American history and foreign relations. Her books have become important resources for scholars interested in propaganda, diplomacy, and national identity.
By examining how governments communicate with citizens during times of war, Brewer has encouraged readers to think critically about political rhetoric and the ways history is remembered and interpreted.
Her research serves as a reminder that understanding the past is essential for making informed decisions about the present and future.
Conclusion
Susan Brewer is a respected American historian whose career has been devoted to studying American foreign relations, war propaganda, and historical identity. Through decades of teaching, research, and writing, she has made significant contributions to historical scholarship.
From her influential books on propaganda to her ongoing work exploring the history of Native American lands and family heritage, Susan Brewer has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to uncovering and preserving the stories that shape societies. Her work continues to inspire students, historians, and readers interested in understanding the complex forces that influence nations and cultures.
