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The Contribution of Economists to Military Intelligence During World War II

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2008

MARK GUGLIELMO
MARK GUGLIELMO*
Affiliation:
Senior Research Associate, Center for Population Economics, Graduate School of Business, The University of Chicago, 5807 S. Woodlawn, Ste. 369, Chicago, Illinois 60637. E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

Economists played a crucial role in military intelligence during World War II. Economists working at the Office of Strategic Services estimated enemy battle casualties, analyzed the intentions and capabilities of both enemies and allies, and helped to prepare for negotiations regarding the postwar settlement. Economists working at the Enemy Objectives Unit helped to select enemy targets for bombing. Finally, economists working at the Statistical Research Group worked on a variety of problems brought to them by the U.S. military services. As a consequence of their usefulness during the war, the military continued to employ economists after the war.

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ARTICLES
Information
The Journal of Economic History , Volume 68 , Issue 1 , March 2008 , pp. 109 - 150
Copyright
Copyright © The Economic History Association 2008

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