The American Army in Germany, 1918-1923 - (Modern War Studies) by Dean A Nowowiejski (Hardcover)

About the Book

Nowowiejski fills a gap in American military and political history through thorough research and a compelling narrative of the Rhineland occupation.

Book Synopsis

The American Army in Germany, 1918-1923: Success against the Odds by Dean A. Nowowiejski fills a gap in American military and political history through thorough research and a compelling narrative of the Rhineland occupation. After the armistice ended the fighting on the Western Front in World War I, the US Third Army marched into the American occupation zone around the city of Koblenz, Germany, in December 1918. American forces remained there as part of an "inter-Allied" coalition until early 1923. Nowowiejski reintroduces us to a successful military-diplomat, Major General Henry T. Allen, who faced two major challenges: build an efficient army and handle the complexity of working with the Allied powers of France, Britain, and Belgium in the Inter-Allied Rhineland High Commission (IARHC).

Allen's ability to balance the interests of the French with those of the occupied Germans made him an indispensable participant in the High Commission. As the French sought revenge and added security against Germany, Allen moderated their actions with diplomatic skill. When the French sent forces into Germany in 1920 and 1921, Allen ensured that the US zone around Koblenz remained free of French interference. These achievements were without the support of the administration, and Congress had no desire to take part in European affairs.

Allen also had to create a competent American army in the Rhineland so that the Allied powers and the Germans would respect American views and interests. He successfully took a large number of new recruits, who replaced World War I combat veterans, and molded them into a professional fighting force. As a result, the American Forces in Germany became an exemplar for the entire US Army and a symbol to the Allies and Germans of American power and resolve. This force competently accomplished the difficult task of postwar occupation according to the highest international standards. The US administration made the decision in 1922 to radically cut back the size of Allen's army, and in 1923 to remove all US troops from Germany. The author analyzes this withdrawal as a "missed opportunity" for US leverage on diplomatic developments in Europe.

Review Quotes

"A comprehensive study of the American occupation of the Rhineland, based on impressive research in archival and published sources and especially valuable for placing the occupation in the context of post-World War I international relations."--Theodore A. Wilson, professor emeritus of history, University of Kansas

"The American Army in Germany, 1918-1923, is a well-researched and smoothly written book that adds greatly to our knowledge of how American soldier-diplomats like Henry T. Allen, Douglas MacArthur, and Lucius Clay have played important roles in postwar occupations. Of these three, Allen did more with less and received nearly no political support from US administrations or the State Department. This book is a rewarding ‘'must-read' for historians and anyone interested in American history and/or war resolution."--James Scott Wheeler, author of The Big Red One: America's Legendary 1st Infantry Division, Centennial Edition, 1917-2017

"Dean Nowowiejski's cogent, well-researched, and systematic study adds brilliantly to our understanding of the important but now largely forgotten American occupation of the Rhineland from 1919 to 1923. Its well-designed, multidimensional examination of the American forces in Germany and their remarkable commander, Major General Henry T. Allen, delivers both an invaluable institutional history and a persuasive and illuminating case study of successful military government. It is sure to become the standard treatment for both."--Brigadier General (Ret.) Charles F. Brower, author of Defeating Japan: The Joint Chiefs of Staff and Strategy in the Pacific War, 1943-1945

"The American Army in Germany, 1918-1923, provides a long-needed and detailed examination of the United States' occupation of the Rhineland in the wake of the Great War. Dean Nowowiejski's wide-ranging narrative covers the strategic-level 'armed diplomacy' of General Henry T. Allen all the way down to the individual doughboy's life in the American occupation force. The work is a first-rate study of America's earliest attempt at occupying and administering an enemy territory in Europe."--Richard S. Faulkner, author of Pershing's Crusaders: The American Soldier in World War I

"One of the most important episodes in the history of the American Expeditionary Forces took place after the guns fell silent at the end of World War I. Dean Nowowiejski's engaging and insightful book offers the first thorough history of this defining moment in US military history, which also had a significant impact on European and American culture, politics, and diplomacy for many decades to come."--Edward G. Lengel, author of Thunder and Flames: Americans in the Crucible of Combat, 1917-1918

"This monograph fills a void with a major case study in US Army stability operations."--Parameters

"This book is an important bridge in between the well-worn histories of the two world wars, and an important addition to those studying occupation and military governance."--On Point: The Journal of Army History

"A useful, entertaining, and well-written introduction to the United States' first occupation of Germany. It should be required reading not only for military historians and world war buffs but also for anyone looking to better understand both the contingencies and the work of producing peace in the aftermaths of war."--H-Net Reviews

"This excellent study contributes to our knowledge of implementing postwar military occupations and governments."--Journal of Military History

"Should be on the bookshelf of all soldiers who think beyond guns and guidons."--Army Magazine

"A truly valuable resource for those studying the period of time it covers. Even those who just enjoy reading military history will find this book interesting, educational, and entertaining."--The Cavalry Journal

"In The American Army in Germany, Nowowiejski has provided military professionals as well as civilian readers with an opportunity to view a foundational moment in American military history. A must-read for civilian and military leaders as well as educators."--Military Review