This volume illuminates the American vision for the future of Germany following the Second World War. It focuses on various measures of re-education policy, including »America Houses«, documentaries, CARE, and education reforms. Scientists from various disciplines analyze American perspectives on the Germans and the USA's strategies to position Germany as a young democracy at the beginning of a new era (»zero hour«), as part of a larger geopolitical constellation (Europe), and as an increasingly independent nation in the transatlantic alliance (»Cold War«).With an afterword by Winfried Fluck.