Land Warfare Since 1860: A Global History of Boots on the Ground

Description

This cogent global history traces the evolution of land warfare since the start of the Crimean War. Jeremy Black argues that although it has always been critical to the outcome of conflicts worldwide, land warfare has become undervalued in comparison to air power in modern military thinking. In practice, land warfare was crucial during the American Civil War, the two world wars, and the conflicts of the Cold War. Indeed, the revival of great power confrontation has led to an urgent need to re-examine the entire contemporary period. Looking to the future, the book shows convincingly that we must consider the nature of the military for non-state actors as well for as the major powers. Ultimately, Black contends, there is no substitute for the control over territory provided by boots on the ground. Contents Preface Abbreviations 1 Introduction 2 A New Age of War? 1860–80 3 Different Types of Conflict, 1880–1913 4 The First World War, 1914–18 5 Between the Wars, 1918–39 6 The Second World War, 1939–45 7 The Cold War, 1945–71 8 The Cold War, 1972–89 9 After the Cold War, 1990–Today 10 Into the Future 11 Conclusions Notes Selected Further Reading Index About the Author