ABSTRACT

Americans hate war. But once they are provoked to defend themselves against those who threaten their security, they mobilize with unparalleled swift ness and energy. While the battle is on there is no sacrifi ce of men or treasure too great for them to make. Once hostilities are over, Americans are as spontaneous and as headlong in their eagerness to return to civilian life. No people in history have been known to disengage themselves so quickly from the ways of war. Th is impatience is the expression of a deeply rooted national ideal to want to live at peace. But tragic experience following World War I taught us that this admirable trait could lead to catastrophe. We needed to temper and adjust the rate of the demobilization of our forces so we would be able to meet our new obligations in the world.