The Morgenthau Plan: Its Impact on Germany and the Post-War World

Introduction

The Morgenthau Plan was a proposal made during World War II that called for Germany's decimation and denazification. Had this plan been implemented, the aftermath of World War II would have taken a radically different path. This article will explore the potential outcomes if the Morgenthau Plan was used for Germany, the reasons behind its shelving, and its lasting impact on European politics and strategy.

The Morgenthau Plan: Unveiling Its Intentions

The Morgenthau Plan, named after Henry Morgenthau Jr., was a policy proposed by the US Treasury Secretary and adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was heavily criticized for its harsh and unrealistic terms that called for the economic, political, and military dismantling of Germany. The plan suggested:

Immediate and complete disarmament of Germany Elimination of German education until a new model was designed International control of the German economy for 20 years Dismantling or destruction of all German industry in the Ruhr, including power plants Political decentralization into federal states Partition of Germany into two states and an international zone Forfeiture of territories and assets Punishment of war criminals without investigation

General George C. Marshall informed Dwight D. Eisenhower about the visit of Morgenthau and later, Eisenhower raised concerns about it, fearing it would cause unnecessary distractions in the military. The immediate consequence was Instruction 1067, which was directed towards Eisenhower, summarizing the main points of the Morgenthau Plan. Following this, the plan was further modified but remained essentially incoherent and harsh.

Why the Morgenthau Plan Was Replaced

The Morgenthau Plan was never fully implemented primarily due to the replacement by the Marshall Plan. The reasons behind this change were multifaceted:

Unrealistic and Harsh Terms: The proposal was unrealistic and too harsh, likely leading to a detrimental impact on post-war Germany. Ambitions of Stalin: The Soviet Union under Stalin showed interest in implementing similar measures, which raised concerns among the Allies. Personal Feuds: The plan was geared more towards personal revenge and political motivations, rather than long-term strategic interests. Alternative Plans: Alternative plans like the division of Germany into five independent states were proposed and considered.

Some key figures, such as Bernard M. Baruch and Franklin D. Roosevelt, suggested dividing Germany into five autonomous states, a plan that was considered viable but later abandoned.

The Impact of the Morgenthau Plan on Europe

The implementation of the Morgenthau Plan would have had severe consequences:

End of East-West Split: The plan, if implemented, would have prevented the formation of the East-West divide and the Berlin Wall; there would likely have been no reunification in 1989. Germany's Alliance: An economically and politically devastated Germany would have been forced to join the Soviet Union, leading to its inclusion in NATO would have been highly unlikely. Spread of Nazi Ideas: The harsh conditions imposed by the Morgenthau Plan could have fueled anti-Semitic and Nazi sympathies, much like the repeated actions of the victors in World War II. European Integration Challenges: The harsh division of Germany could have hindered the process of European integration and cooperation.

Opposition to the plan was significant. Henry L. Stimson and Anthony Eden expressed concerns and disavowed supporting the plan. The plan not only had to face immediate reactions from military leaders but also faced internal modifications that only deepened its unrealism.

Conclusion

The Morgenthau Plan, with its harsh and unrealistic terms, was never fully implemented due to a variety of reasons, including the alternative plans and pragmatic considerations. Had it been enforced, the post-war landscape would have been dramatically different, impacting political alliances, economic recovery, and cultural shifts in Europe for decades to come. The Marshall Plan, in contrast, focused on fostering economic recovery and cooperation, setting the stage for a more integrated and peaceful Europe.