Grand Improvisation: America Confronts the British Superpower 1945-1957

About this book

A new understanding of the post World War II era showing what occurred when the British Empire wouldnt step aside for the rising American superpowerwith global insights for today. An enduring myth of the twentieth century is that the United States rapidly became a superpower in the years after World War II when the British Empirethe greatest in historywas too wounded to maintain a global presence. In fact Derek Leebaert argues in Grand Improvisation the idea that a traditionally insular United States suddenly transformed itself into the leader of the free world is illusory as is the notion that the British colossus was compelled to retreat. The United States and the U.K. had a dozen abrasive years until Washington issued a declaration of independence from British influence. Only then did America explicitly assume leadership of the world order just taking shape. Leebaerts character-driven narrative shows such figures as Churchill Truman Eisenhower and Kennan in an entirely new light while unveiling players of at least equal weight on pivotal events. Little unfolded as historians believe: the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan; the Korean War; Americas descent into Vietnam. Instead we see nonstop U.S. improvisation until America finally lost all caution and embraced obligations worldwide a burden we bear today. Understanding all of this properly is vital to understanding the rise and fall of superpowers why were now skeptical of commitments overseas how the Middle East plunged into disorder why Europe is fracturing what China intendsand the ongoing perils to the U.S. world role.