| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study is to determine why the occupation of Germany after the Second World War was so successful and why we view it as the quid essential example of an occupation. It will examine the three major factors that helped the American forces, both military and civilian, facilitate the occupation of Germany. First is that Germany was completely demolished after WWII; the cities were turned to rubble, the money was useless, its political system was in shambles and its leaders were all in prison. Second, the foundation of the country’s infrastructure was still intact and many of the political leaders from the previous regime were willing to fill the void. Finally, the everyday personal interactions between the local populace and the occupying forces; in Germany, the Americans were able to build personal relationships with Germans, leaving a positive memory of the occupying force for future generations. Through these factors, the occupation of Germany became a great success, one of the only in history, and allows the US and other countries to maintain, positive and peaceful relations with Germany. | en |
