George Catlett Marshall Jr.

Explore the timeline of George Catlett Marshall Jr., one of the most influential military leaders and statesmen of the 20th century. From his role as U.S. Army Chief of Staff during World War II to his notable contributions as Secretary of State and the architect of the European Recovery Program, delve into the key events and achievements that defined Marshall's impactful career and legacy.

Born: December 31, 1880
Military Leader, Statesman
Virginia Military Institute

31 december 1880

1 september 1939

16 december 1944

1 januari 1945

21 januari 1947

21 februari 1948

12 september 1950

10 december 1953

16 oktober 1959

5 juni 1997

31december
1880
31 December 1880

Birth of George C. Marshall

George Catlett Marshall Jr. was born on December 31, 1880, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, United States. He was the youngest of three children in a middle-class family and was educated at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), graduating in 1901. Marshall would go on to become one of the most respected military leaders and statesmen in American history.

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01september
1939
01 September 1939

George C. Marshall Named Chief of Staff of the United States Army

On September 1, 1939, George C. Marshall was appointed as Chief of Staff of the United States Army. This appointment came at a crucial time just as World War II began in Europe, with Germany's invasion of Poland. As Chief of Staff, Marshall was responsible for preparing the U.S. Army for eventual involvement in the war, overseeing its transformation and expansion from a small peacetime force to a formidable wartime army.

16december
1944
16 December 1944

Battle of the Bulge Begins

The Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive on the Western Front during World War II, began on December 16, 1944. As the Allied Supreme Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was Marshall’s protégé, coordinated the response with significant strategic input from Marshall's plans developed earlier. This battle was a pivotal turning point that eventually led to the defeat of Germany four months later. Marshall's planning and leadership had a profound impact on the course of the war.

01januari
1945
01 January 1945

Promotion to Five-Star General

George C. Marshall was promoted to the rank of five-star General of the Army on December 16, 1944, officially taking effect on January 1, 1945. This appointment recognized his critical role in World War II strategy and leadership. Marshall was one of only five individuals to achieve this prestigious rank, underscoring his importance in the military hierarchy and his immense contributions to the Allied victory.

21januari
1947
21 January 1947

Sworn in as U.S. Secretary of State

On January 21, 1947, George C. Marshall was sworn in as the U.S. Secretary of State under President Harry S. Truman. In this capacity, Marshall was instrumental in formulating and implementing the Marshall Plan, an American initiative to aid Western Europe economically in the aftermath of World War II to prevent the spread of Soviet communism. This plan is widely regarded as a visionary and successful strategy for European recovery.

21februari
1948
21 February 1948

Marshall Plan Proposed to Congress

On February 21, 1948, Secretary of State George C. Marshall proposed the European Recovery Program, better known as the Marshall Plan, to Congress. This ambitious plan aimed to rebuild war-torn Europe, boost European economies, and prevent the spread of communism by providing over $12 billion in aid. The Marshall Plan was pivotal in revitalizing Europe, stabilizing the region, and establishing the United States as a leading global economic power post-World War II.

12september
1950
12 September 1950

Appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense

On September 12, 1950, George C. Marshall was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Defense by President Harry S. Truman during the Korean War. His leadership was crucial in reorganizing the Department of Defense, managing military operations, and advising on strategic military decisions during this conflict. Despite the challenges, Marshall's efforts were fundamental in maintaining effective military readiness and national security during tense Cold War times.

10december
1953
10 December 1953

Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

On December 10, 1953, George C. Marshall was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his work on the European Recovery Program, known as the Marshall Plan. He was the first professional soldier to receive this honor, which underscored the significance of his efforts in promoting peace and prosperity through economic recovery and international cooperation. The Prize highlighted Marshall’s enduring legacy as a statesman for global peace.

16oktober
1959
16 October 1959

Death of George C. Marshall

George C. Marshall passed away on October 16, 1959, at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. He left behind a legacy as a distinguished soldier and statesman and was remembered for his crucial roles in reshaping the U.S. military, leading Allied forces to victory in World War II, and crafting the Marshall Plan which laid foundations for post-war European recovery and stability. Marshall's contributions have had a lasting impact on international relations and military strategy.

05juni
1997
05 June 1997

George C. Marshall Standing Statue Unveiled in France

On June 5, 1997, a statue was unveiled in front of the United States Embassy in Paris, France, to honor George C. Marshall and his contributions through the Marshall Plan. This statue was a tribute to his legacy and his pivotal role in the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. It stands as a symbol of gratitude and recognition of the positive impact of American aid and international cooperation fostered through Marshall's initiatives.

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