Author Description
According to General J.F.C. Fuller, "the musket made the infantryman and the infantryman made the democrat." In short, modern war and modern society are inextricably linked. But how has war changed over the centuries?This highly informative and engaging work investigates the techniques, technology, and theory of warfare. From the military revolution of the seventeenth century to the present day battalion of high-tech weaponry and satellite technology, expert contributors explore major developments and themes, including air and sea warfare, combat experience, technology, and opposition to war. Specific topics include the extraordinary achievements of Napoleon's armies, the role of nationalism in battlegrounds, colonial wars, and the concept of "total war." One thought-provoking essay points out that today's armies face an range of low-intensity conflicts--from civil protests to domestic terrorism--that can not be won by any purely military approach. As a result, the military professionalism that evolved to foster modern war is beginning to erode.Highlighting a wide range of information with expert insights and historical analysis, The Oxford History of Modern War leaves no aspect of modern warfare unexplored. This volume will fascinate everyone from casual readers and history buffs, to scholars, political thinkers, and historians.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates the evolution of modern warfare by examining the inextricable link between military developments and the transformation of modern society. Edited by Charles Townshend, the work compiles essays from various military historians to analyze how technology, theory, and combat techniques have shifted from the seventeenth century to the contemporary era. The text argues that the nature of conflict has fundamentally altered, challenging traditional military professionalism in the face of modern low-intensity threats.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of the military revolution from the seventeenth century to the present day.
- Examination of air, sea, and land warfare strategies.
- Discussion of the impact of nationalism, colonial expansion, and the concept of total war.
- Evaluation of modern low-intensity conflicts, including civil unrest and domestic terrorism.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive tactical manual for specific weapon systems.
- It does not focus exclusively on a single nation or conflict, opting for a broad thematic overview.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts and historians recognize this volume as a comprehensive survey that effectively bridges the gap between technical military history and broader societal impacts. Readers frequently note that the collection of essays provides a balanced, academic overview suitable for both students of history and general readers interested in the evolution of global conflict.
Page Count:
414
Publication Date:
2005-09-22
ISBN-10:
0192806459
ISBN-13:
9780192806451
History
Military History
War
Warfare
Modern History