WHITE HOUSE UNDER FIRE

About the Book

A collection of extraordinary essays written by Advanced Placement (AP) US Government students at West Potomac High School in Fairfax, County, Virginia, “White House Under Fire” delves into the political consequences facing the President of the United States as he makes fateful decisions affecting, at least, the map of the US and, in some cases, the future of the world. The students explore such challenging topics as Jefferson’s controversial purchase of the Louisiana Territory, Woodrow Wilson’s reluctance to embrace the Women’s Suffrage movement, the reactions of Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt to the Great Depression, Harry Truman’s decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, Nixon’s opening to China and his downfall from the Watergate scandal, and George W. Bush’s response to the attack on New York and Washington, September 11, 2001.

This work highlights some of the most dangerous and controversial periods in American history, from the confrontation with the Soviet Union over access to Berlin and missiles in Cuba to war with Spain. On the domestic front, the students tackle Andrew Jackson’s “Bank War,” Lincoln’s response to the South’s secession and Ronald Reagan’s decision to fire the Air Traffic Controllers. Harry Truman, who served as president before these students’ parents were born, turns out to be their favorite - with seven essays devoted to his presidency, including the creation of the nation of Israel, his authorization of the Berlin Airlift, the Communist invasion of South Korea, his firing of the popular General Douglas Mac Arthur and his desegregation order to the US military.

These students take a fresh, young approach to the American presidency and how it has evolved over the life of the Republic, providing the reader with not only an insight into American history from the perspective of today’s youth, but also a sense that today’s young people are keenly aware of our nation’s history and will soon be ready to accept the mantel of leadership in a world at least as dangerous to them as it has been to every earlier generation since its inception.

About the Author

Bill Rhatican is an Advanced Placement (AP) Government teacher at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Each year, his students compete to win a coveted spot as a published author in a compendium of essays. Rhatican edits on important American topics. A former White House aide to Presidents Nixon and Ford, Rhatican began teaching Social Studies in Fairfax County, Virginia eight years ago. This is his second student-written publication. Last year’s work, “And Still They Come...” highlighted the trials and difficulties faced by immigrants from all over the globe as they arrived in the United States. This year, in “White House Under Fire,” his students tackle the political pressures on several American presidents during their tenure in office from Jefferson to George W. Bush. He considers his classroom a laboratory for student exploration of the American experience and expansion of political thought. As part of their curriculum, his students voluntarily attend a series of colloquia at his home with outstanding guest experts who share their real-world political experiences. Mr. Rhatican has been married for forty-two years. He and his wife, Leslie, have two sons and four grandchildren. They reside in northern Virginia.