Herbert Feis

Herbert Feis was an influential American historian and economist, best known for his extensive scholarship on U.S. diplomatic history during the World War II era. He served as the Advisor on International Economic Affairs in the U.S. Department of State under Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt, a role that provided him with unique insights into the complexities of international relations during a tumultuous period. Feis's firsthand experiences informed his scholarly work, leading to a prolific career that spanned over 25 years and resulted in the publication of 11 significant books. Among his notable works, 'Between War and Peace: The Potsdam Conference' earned him the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1961. This book critically examined the Potsdam Conference and its implications for the onset of the Cold War, showcasing Feis's ability to weave together narrative and analysis in a compelling manner. His contributions to the understanding of U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy have left a lasting impact on the field of history, establishing him as a key figure in the study of America's role in global affairs during and after World War II.