George Marshall: Speech to the American Historical Association on the National Organization for War

Marshall directed the U.S. Army in the largest war in its history, building it from a tiny force to more than eight million. Before Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor of December 7, 1941, Marshall led the effort to prepare the nation for war. Afterward, he helped direct the war effort and lead the United States and its allies to victory. George Marshall became President Franklin Roosevelt’s leading military adviser and helped draft many of his memos on strategy and military matters. He also helped craft American strategy to win World War II and secure peace in its aftermath. He played a leading role in fashioning American foreign policy, which centered on rebuilding Europe and containing the Soviet Union. Shortly after he became army chief of staff in 1939, he delivered his Speech to the American Historical Association on the National Organization for War, which highlights persistent themes in his thought, including the importance of a citizen army and civilian control of the military and the necessity of military preparedness. Marshall’s carefully worded arguments often proved critical in swaying public, government, and military opinion.