Herbert Feis

Herbert Feis (1893-1972) was an American historian and economist who served as an advisor in multiple U.S. presidential administrations and wrote influential works on American foreign policy and international relations. He was particularly known for his detailed accounts of World War II diplomacy and the early Cold War period. As the Economic Advisor for International Affairs to the State Department from 1931-1943, Feis gained firsthand knowledge of diplomatic processes and foreign policy decisions. This experience informed his later historical works, including "Churchill Roosevelt Stalin: The War They Waged and the Peace They Sought" (1957) and "Japan Subdued: The Atomic Bomb and the End of the War in the Pacific" (1961). Feis received the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1961 for "Between War and Peace: The Potsdam Conference," demonstrating his ability to analyze complex diplomatic events with scholarly precision. His work was characterized by extensive use of primary sources and official documents, setting new standards for diplomatic history writing. The "Feis Thesis," which emerged from his book "The Road to Pearl Harbor" (1950), proposed that economic factors and trade restrictions played a crucial role in causing the Pacific War. This interpretation influenced subsequent historical analysis of World War II's origins in the Pacific theater.

Readers value Feis's access to primary sources and first-hand diplomatic experience, which shows in his detailed documentation of WWII-era foreign policy. Reviews note his thorough research and clear presentation of complex diplomatic events. What readers liked: - Documentation of behind-the-scenes diplomatic processes - Neutral tone in analyzing controversial decisions - Use of official records and primary sources - Clear explanation of complicated international relationships What readers disliked: - Dense writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some passages get bogged down in minute details - Limited coverage of social and cultural factors - Occasional repetitiveness in diplomatic descriptions Ratings: Goodreads: - "Churchill Roosevelt Stalin": 3.9/5 (42 ratings) - "Between War and Peace": 3.8/5 (31 ratings) - "Japan Subdued": 3.7/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: Average 4.1/5 across his works, with most reviews highlighting the books' value for academic research and diplomatic history studies.

Between War and Peace: The Potsdam Conference (1960) A detailed examination of the 1945 Potsdam Conference where Allied leaders met to determine the postwar order of Europe.

The Road to Pearl Harbor (1950) An analysis of the economic and diplomatic tensions between Japan and the United States that led to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Churchill Roosevelt Stalin: The War They Waged and the Peace They Sought (1957) A study of the complex relationships and negotiations between the three major Allied leaders during World War II.

Japan Subdued: The Atomic Bomb and the End of the War in the Pacific (1961) An investigation into the decision-making process and consequences of using atomic weapons against Japan.

From Trust to Terror: The Onset of the Cold War (1970) An examination of how the alliance between the United States and Soviet Union deteriorated after World War II.

The Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II (1966) A focused analysis of the final months of World War II and the impact of atomic weapons on ending the conflict.

The Spanish Story: Franco and the Nations at War (1948) An account of Spain's position and diplomatic relations during World War II under Francisco Franco's leadership.

Three International Episodes: See Through American Eyes (1946) An examination of three major diplomatic events from the American perspective during the World War II period.

George F. Kennan served as a diplomat during the Cold War and wrote authoritative works on Soviet-American relations based on direct experience. His analytical approach to diplomatic history and use of primary sources mirrors Feis's methodology.

Dean Acheson wrote detailed accounts of post-WWII American foreign policy from his perspective as Secretary of State under Truman. His combination of firsthand diplomatic experience and historical analysis parallels Feis's career path and writing style.

William L. Shirer documented the rise and fall of Nazi Germany using extensive primary sources and personal observations as a foreign correspondent. His work "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" demonstrates the same attention to diplomatic documentation that characterizes Feis's writing.

Barbara Tuchman wrote detailed analyses of military and diplomatic history with emphasis on primary source research. Her focus on the decision-making processes of world leaders aligns with Feis's approach to diplomatic history.

McGeorge Bundy combined scholarly analysis with insider knowledge from his role as National Security Advisor to write about Cold War politics. His work on nuclear diplomacy and international relations reflects Feis's integration of government experience with historical scholarship.