The American Occupation of Austria: Planning and Early Years

(Hardback)

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This book documents American planning for the occupation of Austria after World War II. The authors show how plans made during the war had to be changed in the face of military and political realities and the postwar years of frustration and hope, success and failure, especially until 1950. Despite the Allied instrusion, they demonstrate how the Austrians were able to defy the Allies and achieve their dream of economic and political survival within the framework of a democratic national government.

Reviews

Whitnah and Erickson have made a carefully detailed study of American participation in the occupation of Austria after WW II. They examine differences between the US State and War Departments and also disagreements and issues with the British, French, and Soviet governments, within the European Advisory Commission, and within the UK-US Combined Chiefs of Staff. The authors indicate how changing postwar realities affected occupation policy, and how the Austrians took good advantage of complex occupation circumstances to pursue their own economic and poltitcal survival. The book is limited and defined by its focus on military planning, command strategy, politics, and diplomacy. It is, however, carefully researched, well written, and offers judicious interpretations that enhance the understanding of the postwar history of Europe.-CHOICE
"Whitnah and Erickson have made a carefully detailed study of American participation in the occupation of Austria after WW II. They examine differences between the US State and War Departments and also disagreements and issues with the British, French, and Soviet governments, within the European Advisory Commission, and within the UK-US Combined Chiefs of Staff. The authors indicate how changing postwar realities affected occupation policy, and how the Austrians took good advantage of complex occupation circumstances to pursue their own economic and poltitcal survival. The book is limited and defined by its focus on military planning, command strategy, politics, and diplomacy. It is, however, carefully researched, well written, and offers judicious interpretations that enhance the understanding of the postwar history of Europe."-CHOICE

Author Bio

itnah /f Donald /i R.

ckson /f Edgar /i L.