American Military History and the Evolution of Western Warfare

by Robert A. Doughty, Roy K. Flint, Ira Gruber

This highly readable and authoritative history of American military operations examines the campaigns and the changing practices that have helped to define Western warfare. Beginning with Anglo-American skirmishes in the early seventeenth century, the narrative moves on through the War for American Independence and the development of a professional officer corps in the early nineteenth century to the Civil War and the two great total wars of the twentieth century. The volume concludes with five chapters on the more limited wars of the nuclear age. The text is supported by a wealth of photographs and maps throughout. Robert A. Doughty, U.S. Military Academy, and Ira Gruber, Rice University, led a team of eminent military historians in the development of this text. Each of the authors, drawing on his own field of expertise and focusing on specific campaigns, examines not only military operations but the technological, social, and political developments that affected those operations. The result is a uniquely valuable account of warfare in the Western World.

832 pages, Hardcover

First published January 2, 1995

About the author

Brigadier General Robert Allan Doughty, USA (Ret.), is an American military historian, educator and retired career military officer.

Reviews

[Timothy Bracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding compilation of essays from the some of the most accomplished 20th century historians. Very well rounded in addressing how conflicts were shaped by social norms, culture, economics and technological advances. Covering First Contact in eastern Noth America to the early years of the war on global terrorism, a must-have for serious students of history.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is a textbook, it was fairly decent. It gives a good overview of American military history and how it has evolved over the years with various wars such as the Civil War, World War II, American Revolution, etc. If you are looking for a reference or overview of American military history, then this book is for you.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

For those interested in American military history, this is a critical work to own. It's a heavy read, a bit dry at times, but jammed with essential facts, dates, people, and the occasional anecdotes—some burned into my memory.