Jack S. Ballard

A comprehensive examination of American demobilization after WW II. Based on extensive research in primary and secondary sources, this volume focuses on three important aspects of the transition of the American nation from war to peace: planning for peace, military demobilization, and economic reconversion. Taking note of the mistakes made after WW I, national leaders began planning for peace within months after the US was involved in WW II. Needed were a policy to cope with the expected surge in unemployment as troops were hastily returned to civilian life and a program to alleviate economic stagnation as factories switched from the production of war materials to consumer goods. Ballard describes and analyzes this often neglected dimension of American military history, explains the context and tradition in which demobilization unfolded, and assesses the success of the undertaking. Well researched and rich in bibliographic detail, this volume should stand as the definitive source on American WW II demobilization for some time.… (mer)