American Military History: A Very Short Introduction

The book "American Military History: A Very Short Introduction" explores the relationship between the US military and American society, from the thirteen colonies to the present day. It discusses the rise of a professional military, the impact of technology on warfare, and the challenges the US has faced in maintaining its power and influence in the world.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 26 November 2020
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
\n

The military has played a significant role in American history since the arrival of the first English settlers at Jamestown, carrying with it the legacy of centuries of European warfare. In his book, "American Military History: A Very Short Introduction," Joseph T. Glatthaar explores the intricate relationship between the military and the United States, tracing its origins in the thirteen colonies to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

During the Revolutionary War, tensions grew between local militias and a standing army, leading to the Founding Fathers attempting to strike a balance by enshrining an army, navy, and a well-regulated Militia in the Constitution. This marked the rise of a professional military in the United States, which proved instrumental in its successes in the War of 1812, the Mexican War, and the Civil War. However, after the Civil War, the United States struggled to understand the purpose of a peacetime army, leading to a period of neglect and underfunding.

When war did arrive, it came with a vengeance, introducing innovative technologies such as tanks, planes, machine guns, and poison gas. The United States embraced these advancements, using them to win both world wars and fundamentally change the nature of battle. After World War II, the United States emerged as the most powerful nation in the world, but it soon faced the limits of its power. The nuclear era brought with it encounters defined by stalemate, from the Cold War conflicts in Korea and Vietnam to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Since 9/11, the United States has been grappling with unconventional warfare, including terrorism and cyberwar, which have largely negated the technological advantage it had held. In his book, Glatthaar examines these challenges and looks to the future of the U.S. military, exploring its proud and complicated legacy. He raises important questions about the role of the military in American society, the ethics of warfare, and the challenges it faces in the 21st century.

Overall, "American Military History: A Very Short Introduction" is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the military's role in American history, providing a valuable perspective on the past, present, and future of the U.S. military.

\n Weight: 126g\n
Dimension: 111 x 173 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780199859252\n \n