Talk: The Forgotten History. American Military Presence after World War I (1919-1923)

The rapid economic development and prosperity of post-war Germany has always been associated with the European Recovery Program (ERP) of George C. Marshall (1880–1959). As Secretary of State, Marshall implemented his economic  program of rebuilding war-torn European nations and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1953 for his actions. 

His profound knowledge and understanding of the complicated situation of the defeated European nations arose from his personal experiences during the post-World War I period. As Adjutant to General John J. Pershing (1860–1948), Marshall came to the Rhine area in 1918, as part of the U.S. occupation forces.

The first American Occupation of Germany from 1918 to 1923 laid the foundation of a long relationship between our two countries. The historic background of this relationship, of the post-World War I period, is all but forgotten amongst the people of both nations. These four years were formative in terms of politics, economics, as well as social and cultural exchange. 

On June 14, 2019, American author and military historian Edward G. Lengel will address this first military presence of American troops in Germany and its effects on the occupation period after WWII.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Congress Center Ramstein.

is an American author and military historian. He is the 2018 Revolutionary in Residence for Colonial Williamsburg. His previously published books focus on George Washington’s life and legacy, and World War I.

Lengel received a B.A. in history in 1991 from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. In 1993, he completed an M.A. in history with the University of Virginia, going on to acquire a Ph.D. from the same university in modern European history in 1998.