Military Occupations that Worked and Failed

Dealing with Defeated Nations is as Important as Winning the War

Oct 7, 2009

The US occupation of Iraq may be viewed by future historians as a failure, but history contains examples of military occupations that achieved their long term goals.

In 2003, American troops, assisted by coalition forces from other nations, entered Iraq and began a speedy campaign toward “regime change.” Iraqi people reacted, for the most part, with jubilation and were seen pulling down statues of the hated dictator Saddam Hussein. After President Bush declared “mission accomplished,” a long occupation began and American troops still maintain a large presence in that nation today.

The Iraqi occupation rapidly deteriorated as resistance grew and even everyday people demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops. Much of this was blamed on non-military personnel, contracted to rebuild Iraq or protect US interests. These contractors were more interested in their company’s bottom line than in winning the “hearts and minds” of the population. Historical, the Iraqi occupation falls under military occupations that failed.

Military Occupations in History

After becoming master of Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte controlled continental Europe following several years of successful warfare. Originally viewed as a liberator and identified with the popular ideals of the French Revolution, Napoleon’s appeal quickly cooled as he imposed his Continental System, ruining European trade. His policies were soon unmasked as focusing on “France first” and resistance built, often resulting in outright revolt such as in Spain.

The French occupation of large sections of Europe encouraged nationalistic movements, but it did not reflect the Utopian ideal of the end of historical class struggles, as interpreted at that time by German philosopher Friedrich Hegel. Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo after his last 100 days merely signaled a return to legitimacy and the reestablishment of the Old Order.

In the United States, as the Civil War drew to a close, Union military occupation of the South had the same results. The occupation drew many ambitious speculators to the South – carpetbaggers and others that saw an opportunity to profit at the expense of the vanquished. The occupation failed to achieve desired goals and when the last Union troops were withdrawn in 1877 by President Hayes, home rule returned to the South.

Military Occupations that Worked

Following the ending of World War II in 1945, US troops occupied both Japan and Germany. American forces are still present in these countries today. The denazification program, which included the establishment of a true representative government under a liberal Constitution, worked and Germany emerged as one of the strongest western allies and a reliable NATO partner. The same was true in Japan. These occupations worked because they took time and produced tangible reforms.

It is also noteworthy that these occupations were actively supported by American citizens that participated by sending C.A.R.E. packages, clothing, and authorizing the Congress to fund foreign aid programs like the Marshall Plan. Additionally, both defeated nations stood as barriers against a growing Communist threat.

In 1848, The Mexican American War ended after General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City. American soldiers occupied key cities in Mexico but were withdrawn shortly after the ratification of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. In Washington, President Polk and certain Cabinet members argued for a “take Mexico” movement that would have resulted in the annexation of all of Mexico and Nicaragua. Congressional opposition and public opinion to the proposals focused in part on the potential need for an extended military occupation of Mexico, something few people viewed as productive.

Military Occupations in the Twenty-First Century

To some global societies, the United States is seen as a voracious Empire, lauding democracy and personal freedoms while at the same time following the self-interest of an “America First” policy, much like Napoleon in the early 19th century. Better lessons can be learned from occupations that worked, and this includes winning the hearts and minds of defeated people.

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The copyright of the article Military Occupations that Worked and Failed in Military History is owned by Michael Streich. Permission to republish Military Occupations that Worked and Failed in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.