Product Description

Well-received in its first edition, this candid and popular study provides an interesting, readable account of American military history from the late fifteenth-century British-French Wars in Colonial America to the recent Gulf War. Written in an easy-to-understand manner void of extraneous detail, the book integrates innovative and fascinating mini-biographies of key figures in U.S. military history, giving readers added insight and the opportunity to gain an appreciation of these remarkable people throughout their careers. It examines the impact of technology on warfare with descriptions and photographs of weapons of war from earliest times to the present; adds a final chapter to update coverage of American military developments; reflects the changes that have taken place in the world, the nation, and the military services since 1990; and supplements material with approximately 50 quality illustrations and 20 informative maps. For service academy historians; military history departments.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #565633 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 408 pages

From the Publisher
Highlighting the central individuals in American military history, this study provides a readable and interesting account of American military history from the late fifteenth century British-French Wars in Colonial America to the recent Gulf War.

From the Back Cover
Well-received in its first edition, this candid and popular study provides an interesting, readable account of American military history from the late fifteenth-century British-French Wars in Colonial America to the recent Gulf War. Written in an easy-to-understand manner void of extraneous detail, the book integrates innovative and fascinating mini-biographies of key figures in U.S. military history, giving readers added insight and the opportunity to gain an appreciation of these remarkable people throughout their careers. It examines the impact of technology on warfare with descriptions and photographs of weapons of war from earliest times to the present; adds a final chapter to update coverage of American military developments; reflects the changes that have taken place in the world, the nation, and the military services since 1990; and supplements material with approximately 50 quality illustrations and 20 informative maps. For service academy historians; military history departments.

Customer Reviews

Great content, poor organization; Needs review
Lets be frank here. While I agree with some of what other readers have posted here, I must say that I am most disapointed with Morris' index and bibliography. However, the content is thorough and sucinct. I might add that this text is better organized then his other text "Readings in Military History" (Pearson Education Inc. (C) 2004). That book has no index to speak of.

The problem, I think, with the in-chapter "suggested readings" bibs is that they refer to outdated texts. History is a dynamic and ever changing subject as new research and discoveries prove or contradict popular thinking. I would agree that some of the maps are in need of "clarity" in order to present a better picture of battlefield events.

However, it goes without question that Morris is fully versed and a thoughtful writer.

I recommend as either additional or alternative reading:For the Common Defense

Excellent US military history book
This is a must read for any beginner military history buff, and more specifically it should be required reading for every military member as part of PME. While it does not go into details for all the major US battles, it does a very good job of covering the US military history from colonization all the way to the Gulf War (1991).
JEC

Great Military History
For those looking for a general overview of the strategy and tactics that are armed forces have employed over its history than look no further. This book is very well written and organized allowing you to reference parts of military history. There are miniature biographies of various generals that will spark your interest and make you want to read more. If you are doing a survey of American Military history this is an essential book to have. It is very easily readable and Morris does an excellent job of defining the difference between strategy and tactics and then going over both throughout our history. It goes up through the first gulf war and gives a suggestion as to what the future will bring.