The Changing Nature of Warfare: 1792–1945

by Peter Browning

An engaging range of period texts and theme books for AS and A Level history. A succinct survey of the changing complexities of modern warfare - with particular emphasis on land warfare - and offers a useful introduction to this important aspect of European and world history. Peter Browning examines how and why warfare changed betweem 1792 and 1945. He traces the development from the 'impulse' warfare of Napoleon, via the political wars of the mid nineteenth century and the trench warfare of 1914-18, to Blitzkrieg in 1939-45. These practices are studied with reference to the theory of warfare and especially the ideas of Carl von Clausewitz - one of the great theorists of war.

Genres: Nonfiction

212 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Tom]

A good overview of the land based warfare of the 18th to the 20th century focusing on logistics, generalship, weapon technology, tactics etc. set within the context of Europe and the USA. The author also has additional information in regards to remembrance in war, women, medicine and the rules of warfare, international conventions and treaties from this period.

He briefly touches on military theory, not that this is a fault of the book, the brevity is one of it's attractions. There is a very good recommended reading list in the back. If you are a student of warfare or just curious this is a well informed place to start.