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The Most Noble Adventure: The Marshall Plan and the Time When America Helped Save Europe
Traces America's four-year diplomatic efforts to help rebuild post-World War II Europe, an endeavor that involved a thirteen-billion-dollar plan and was heavily influenced by political factors. By the author of The Invisible People. 40,000 first printing.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 5, 2017
This was in excellent book. However, it was real an economic and political history book. I was expecting to read about the physical rebuilding of manufacturing plants, parks, housing,and other buildings in the European countries after World War II.
This was a detailed discussion of how the United States significantly helped Europe in recovering after World War II. It talks a lot about the various geniuses that worked on this project. It also talks about the politics involved in getting this European bailout approved by the US Congress.
I did not realize it, but if it weren't for the Americans, the European countries would not have been rebuild after World War II. The only other alternative was for the Soviet Union to bail them out. In that case, all of these countries would have become communist countries.
The United States provided 16 countries with thousands of tons of food, supplies, building materials, etc. The European countries should be reminded of this and they should be indebted to the U.S. for this humanitarian aid forevermore.
I think most Europeans, like most Americans, have pretty much forgotten about this tremendous, historic, and unparalleled effort of the United States's Marshall Plan bailing out Europe.
This was a detailed discussion of how the United States significantly helped Europe in recovering after World War II. It talks a lot about the various geniuses that worked on this project. It also talks about the politics involved in getting this European bailout approved by the US Congress.
I did not realize it, but if it weren't for the Americans, the European countries would not have been rebuild after World War II. The only other alternative was for the Soviet Union to bail them out. In that case, all of these countries would have become communist countries.
The United States provided 16 countries with thousands of tons of food, supplies, building materials, etc. The European countries should be reminded of this and they should be indebted to the U.S. for this humanitarian aid forevermore.
I think most Europeans, like most Americans, have pretty much forgotten about this tremendous, historic, and unparalleled effort of the United States's Marshall Plan bailing out Europe.
November 17, 2010
At the end of his life, in his speech accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, George Marshall said "democratic principles do not flourish on empty stomachs." The Marshall plan is one of the best examples of enlightened self-interest in action. With misery everywhere in Europe, and the communist parties gaining ground in many countries, the United States found a way to give help and hope without taking away pride. By turning the initiative over to the European countries, the US actually laid the groundwork for the EU--the countries, some of which were recently at war with each other, had to cooperate in order to make the plan a success. Read this book if you want to remember what great things the US is capable of when the right people lead the way.
October 7, 2017
The Most Noble Adventure is the inspiring story of the Marshall Plan and what America can do when at its best, using its soft power and leadership to rebuild, or build, other nations. In this case, American diplomacy and development assistance helped rebuild a devastated Europe in a way and at a pace that was unique in history. To be sure, the plan was implemented for self-interest and well as for altruistic reasons. Nevertheless, strong allies in Western Europe emerged.
I read the book now after having first started it several years ago. In a year when our diplomatic capacity is being dismantled, demeaned, and marginalized, the Marshall Plan shows what America can do for the benefit of ourselves and the world. Perhaps more enlightened leaders will soon emerge in who will learn from and implement the lessons when America "Helped Save Europe." We desperately need a new generation of honorable and innovative leaders such as President Truman, General Marshall, and Secretary of State Dean Acheson.
I read the book now after having first started it several years ago. In a year when our diplomatic capacity is being dismantled, demeaned, and marginalized, the Marshall Plan shows what America can do for the benefit of ourselves and the world. Perhaps more enlightened leaders will soon emerge in who will learn from and implement the lessons when America "Helped Save Europe." We desperately need a new generation of honorable and innovative leaders such as President Truman, General Marshall, and Secretary of State Dean Acheson.
January 7, 2015
This is a wonderful book, very well explained, on an important part of 20th century history. To better appreciate the value of the Marshall Plan, this book was all the richer experience after first reading Ike: An American Hero, an equally wonderful book, which lays out the historical context that led to the dire need for implementing the Marshall Plan to save Europe from Communism. The Second World War had decimated Europe, the economy, industry, infrastructure, food production. I would encourage anyone to read The Most Noble Adventure to understand the importance of the Marshall Plan.
August 1, 2011
This book does an excellent job discussing the both the national altruism and strategic self-interest behind the Marshall Plan. The author makes a very good effort in describing the positive and negative aspects of the plan, but firmly believes that the Marshall Plan helped save post-WWII Europe from economic and political disaster. I found the beginning part of the book (development and implementation of the plan) the most interesting, but got bored with some of the bureaucratic details that followed.
December 18, 2020
If you are like me, you know only the basic outline of the Marshall Plan-it saved Europe from Communism after WWII. This book shows you that it was that and much more. It was a testament to a moment in U.S. history when a bi-partisan effort succeeded in laying the foundation for economic recovery of a Europe that had been totally destroyed by war.
May 8, 2025
Really interesting read. Wasn’t super familiar with the Marshal Plan before this, so I can’t attest to whether it misses some info or not, but it felt comprehensive enough. I really like how it mentions the developing opinions of congress and how it made sure to cover many of the key players involved.
December 28, 2018
A lot of information but so dry
February 13, 2025
Engaging because the topic is inherently engaging, but I found parts a slog to get through.
December 10, 2025
Dense but interesting
January 28, 2025
Pros :: This is a reread for me and I hope to read it again, it's that mind-blowing. I had forgotten how much Western Europe needed a boost, whether financial or more importantly, psychological. Knowing that someone has extended a hand and has your back for a brief minute while you dust off your bruises is priceless. The Marshall Plan was marshaled in by incredibly amazing men (yes, men) including General Marshall, President Truman, Averell Harriman, Will Clayton, Arthur Vandenberg, Richard Bissell and Paul Hoffman. And the grateful hand of Ernest Belvin (Great Britain) and Georges Bidault and Jean Monnet for France. This rereading reminded me of how much France and Italy were on the brink of failing at the end of 1947 and how Britain wanted to go it alone by staying on the sterling and stay with the autarky (independence) with the Common Wealth bloc.
Western Europe needed structural and economic reform, technical and administrative assistance plus financial reorganization and hope. It needed confidence in the near future. Also, how the Korean War and America reprioritirized from the economic to the military realm and put a new spin on the world. W Europe was able to survive the tumult and thrive. Interesting fact how the Americans wanted W Europe to integrate and it really was the first breath of the (and a couple of treaties later) the birth of the European Union.
"Any people who will, in the midst of this desolation, think of putting flowers on the table will rebuild the ruins." Averell Harriman page 208
"Blessed are the dead, for their hands do not freeze" was a saying scrawled on a wall in Germany, January 1947
Great addition of photos as well.
Cons : None
Cover art :: 5 out of 5
Western Europe needed structural and economic reform, technical and administrative assistance plus financial reorganization and hope. It needed confidence in the near future. Also, how the Korean War and America reprioritirized from the economic to the military realm and put a new spin on the world. W Europe was able to survive the tumult and thrive. Interesting fact how the Americans wanted W Europe to integrate and it really was the first breath of the (and a couple of treaties later) the birth of the European Union.
"Any people who will, in the midst of this desolation, think of putting flowers on the table will rebuild the ruins." Averell Harriman page 208
"Blessed are the dead, for their hands do not freeze" was a saying scrawled on a wall in Germany, January 1947
Great addition of photos as well.
Cons : None
Cover art :: 5 out of 5
August 26, 2015
Detailed history of the plan that helped Europe get back on it's feet after WWII and kept Stalin and the communists from spreading their influence into Western Europe. Greg Behrman gives the account of how Secretary of State George Marshall's speech went from an idea to such an ambitious plan.
Following the War, Europe was in shambles. Germany had been the major manufacturing power but industry and distribution channels had been disrupted and destroyed. The people were discouraged and pessimistic about recovery, and the weather was worse than usual. The US had already given a lot of "relief aid" with nothing to show for it. Marshall envisioned a much more ambitious goal of helping to rebuild those systems that would allow Europe to pull itself out of it's problems, but he wanted to keep it under the Congressional radar long enough to prevent them from changing the essential humanitarian (and expensive) nature of the plan. Even then, it was a tough sell and only through some unlikely allies such as Michigan Senator and ex-isolationist Arthur Vandenburg was it passed. Many continued to try to cut the funding, but extensive propaganda efforts saved it. Other important figures such as Paul Hoffman, Richard Bissell, Will Clayton, Averell Harriman, etc., and their enormous contributions are discussed, as well as some of the mechanics of how it made Europeans a partner in their rebuilding. Also prominent are the essential contributions of important Europeans, such as Bevine (UK) and Bidault (France).
A key point about the Marshall Plan was it's focus on preventing communist influence from spreading and containing Stalin's power. Behrman explains the efforts communists employed to sabotage the plan, everything from Molotov's delay tactics in early negotiations to the strikes and riots by Italian and French communists, and the influence the US had in Italian elections in 1948. But Behrman makes it very clear where the communists overplayed their hand, and instead brought home the necessity of the plan to those in Congress who were more inclined toward an isolationist policy. He explains the reasons for reluctance to offer aid, the efforts that had already been made, the difficulties faced by the starved European countries and the "dollar gap" that prevented them from importing what they needed. US efforts at European economic integration (50 years before the EU!) are also discussed extensively, as well as French fears over a rebuilt Germany.
Interesting and definitely worth reading but not always a very "rousing" or compelling history of what was perhaps America's greatest moment. But the greater story here is entirely relevant to our current situation in and policy toward the Middle-East. The Marshall Plan worked because it made Europeans responsible for rebuilding their economy, and then gave them the help needed to get started. It was administered mostly by selfless men who had the brains to make it work, and corruption was very minimal. It was not heavy-handed and forceful, seeking to dictate all the conditions attached to the aid given, but wasn't simple charity either. And it had true leadership at all levels, something we seem to be missing today.
Following the War, Europe was in shambles. Germany had been the major manufacturing power but industry and distribution channels had been disrupted and destroyed. The people were discouraged and pessimistic about recovery, and the weather was worse than usual. The US had already given a lot of "relief aid" with nothing to show for it. Marshall envisioned a much more ambitious goal of helping to rebuild those systems that would allow Europe to pull itself out of it's problems, but he wanted to keep it under the Congressional radar long enough to prevent them from changing the essential humanitarian (and expensive) nature of the plan. Even then, it was a tough sell and only through some unlikely allies such as Michigan Senator and ex-isolationist Arthur Vandenburg was it passed. Many continued to try to cut the funding, but extensive propaganda efforts saved it. Other important figures such as Paul Hoffman, Richard Bissell, Will Clayton, Averell Harriman, etc., and their enormous contributions are discussed, as well as some of the mechanics of how it made Europeans a partner in their rebuilding. Also prominent are the essential contributions of important Europeans, such as Bevine (UK) and Bidault (France).
A key point about the Marshall Plan was it's focus on preventing communist influence from spreading and containing Stalin's power. Behrman explains the efforts communists employed to sabotage the plan, everything from Molotov's delay tactics in early negotiations to the strikes and riots by Italian and French communists, and the influence the US had in Italian elections in 1948. But Behrman makes it very clear where the communists overplayed their hand, and instead brought home the necessity of the plan to those in Congress who were more inclined toward an isolationist policy. He explains the reasons for reluctance to offer aid, the efforts that had already been made, the difficulties faced by the starved European countries and the "dollar gap" that prevented them from importing what they needed. US efforts at European economic integration (50 years before the EU!) are also discussed extensively, as well as French fears over a rebuilt Germany.
Interesting and definitely worth reading but not always a very "rousing" or compelling history of what was perhaps America's greatest moment. But the greater story here is entirely relevant to our current situation in and policy toward the Middle-East. The Marshall Plan worked because it made Europeans responsible for rebuilding their economy, and then gave them the help needed to get started. It was administered mostly by selfless men who had the brains to make it work, and corruption was very minimal. It was not heavy-handed and forceful, seeking to dictate all the conditions attached to the aid given, but wasn't simple charity either. And it had true leadership at all levels, something we seem to be missing today.
April 2, 2025
Very interesting. Fascinating to find out how the Marshall Plan plugs right into the European Coal & Steel Community, the Treaty of Rome and the modern European Union.
This book is still extremely pertinent today, in this time of tariffs and the shifting in balance of relationships between the US, Europe and Russia.
This book is still extremely pertinent today, in this time of tariffs and the shifting in balance of relationships between the US, Europe and Russia.
February 27, 2008
Engaging non-fiction account of the post-WWII Marshall Plan to help rebuild Europe. Filled in some gaps in my knowledge of this time period and initative.
Also interesting glimpse at the leadership (and quirks) of the key thinkers and doer of this age.
Also interesting glimpse at the leadership (and quirks) of the key thinkers and doer of this age.
December 28, 2008
This is a great book for 2008/2009, given the global economic crisis and the need for practical solutions. The Marshall Plan rallied lots of pragmatic people to do the right thing to get Europe up on its feet after WWII. Europe had been devastated by the war.
February 20, 2009
Very interesting stuff. The scale of the task, the dynamics involved, etc., are remarkable. And to see people in government operating from motives other than self-enrichment and self-aggrandizement is very refreshing, if bittersweet.
February 2, 2009
I found this so interesting to read during our own current and recent wars; it taught me a great deal about the post-WWII hardships suffered by all Europeans, and the commitment and sacrifice Americans made, in a thoughtful and deliberate manner, to support the rebuilding effort.
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July 8, 2018Excellent
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews