Book excerpt: The Anglo-American relationship from 1941-1945 proved to be the most effective military alliance in history. Yet there were also constant tensions and disagreements that threatened to pull the alliance apart. Based on considerable archival research on both sides of the Atlantic, Eisenhower's Armies considers the breadth and depth of the relationship from high-level strategic decisions, the rivalries and personalities of the commanders to the ordinary British and American soldiers who fought alongside one another.This is the story of two very different armies learning to live, work, and fight together even in the face of serious strategic disagreements, and a very human story about the efforts of many individuals—famous or otherwise—who worked and argued together to defeat Hitler’s Germany. This dynamic new history provides a fresh perspective on many of the controversies and critical strategic decisions of World War II, providing expert analysis of the Anglo-American military alliance as well as new insights into the "special relationship" of the mid-twentieth century.