US Intelligence Pre World War Two and its Effect on US Policy

An Examination of U.S. IntelligencePre-World War IIAnd its Effect on U.S. Policy Intelligence assessment pre-World War II was all about knowing one's enemies. In turn, intelligence precipitated policy-making. Similarly, intelligence may be categorized according to specific needs and in accordance with Andrew W. Marshall's point of view. He foresaw four specific categories. These included: foreseeing potential conflicts; comparing strength and predicting outcomes in given contingencies; monitoring current developments and being alerted to developing problems; and warning of imminent military danger. In my view, it is the first of the four which is most important, and as well proved particularly connective to policy and decision-making during World War II.1 In point of fact, much of the intelligence and its assessment and foundation was established prior to and during World War I. Much had been learned from that conflict which involved so many countries. To the greatest extent, E. May has identified actual military experiences and instances. I will address some of these. Military combat in 1914 brought Germany to the edge of vi...