U.S. Development Aid-An Historic First: Achievements and Failures in the Twentieth Century

The first comprehensive account of U.S. development aid policies and implementation operations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, this work is a unique contribution to world history and to the extensive literature on "Third World" development. Butterfield begins with the remarkable story of why, in 1949, President Truman surprised Americans with his unprecedented development aid policy. He then describes the major alterations in U.S. development aid strategy and operations from 1950 to 2000. Drawing upon his long experience both in Washington and in country aid missions, Butterfield puts a human face on the story by weaving real world vignettes into his narrative.

SAMUEL HALE BUTTERFIELD was a career officer in America's development aid program from 1958 through 1980, serving in senior positions in Africa, South Asia, and Washington. After retiring, he taught theory and practice of international development and served as an advisor on sustainable resource management in the Third World. This is his first book.