George C. Marshall, Emergence of a Politician, 1 September 1939 to 6 December 1941
Abstract
This study is a historical analysis of the political growth, development, and influence of former Army Chief of Staff, General George C. Marshall, during the period 1 September 1939 to 6 December 1941. The first two years of General Marshall's tenure as Chief of Staff were critical in rebuilding and modernizing the Army and the Nation's defense establishment prior to the start of World War II. During this period General Marshall's primary efforts centered on securing appropriations for equipment, personnel, and training. These efforts were political in nature because they involved close association with the executive and legislative branches of government. This thesis depicts how General Marshall's early career prepared him for the Capital's political environment. It capitalizes on three distinct legislative acts to illustrate the growth of General Marshall's political skill and influence during the period: The Burke-Wadsworth Act of 1940; the Lend-Lease Act of 1941; and the 1941 legislation which extended the Burke-Wadsworth Act. Finally, the study develops the premise that General Marshall by the start of World War II had mastered the politician's craft and used that capacity to enact legislation which accommodated the Army's transformation from poorly prepared peacetime organization to wartime goliath. Keywords: United States Government, Department of Defense.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA227429
Entities
People
- Howard A. Olsen
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College