Axis Prisoners of War in Tennessee

<p> During World War II Axis prisoners of war received arguably better treatment in the U.S. than anywhere else. Bound by the Geneva Convention but also hoping for reciprocal treatment of American POWs the U.S. sought to humanely house and employ 425000 Axis prisoners many in rural communities in the South.</p><p> This is the first book-length examination of Tennessee's role in the POW program and how the influx of prisoners affected communities. Towns like Tullahoma transformed into military metropolises. Memphis received millions in defense spending. Paris had a secret barrage balloon base. The wooded Crossville camp housed German and Italian officers. Prisoners worked tobacco lumber and cotton across the state. Some threatened escape or worse. When the program ended more than 25000 POWs lived and worked in Tennessee.</p>