The Patterns of War Since the Eighteenth Century

Preface

Preface I have attempted in this book to present, in a narrative form, a synthesis of the many changes in war that have taken place from the late eighteenth century to the present. The book is not intended to be a complete history of warfare or of wars in that crowded era, but I hope that I have suggested some themes and interpretations which will prove valuable to the student. In addition, I have tried to introduce as many useful facts as possible within a concise form. My underlying assumption in writing this book is that the history of warfare is best understood as a process of change in war’s sociopolitical, technological, and organizational aspects. My information was mostly drawn from published sources, but a complete list of the works consulted would be too lengthy to include. I have therefore appended a list of selected sources which may be used as a recommended reading list for the student who wishes to delve further into any aspect of the subject. Finally, I acknowledge my debt to those scholars upon whose published work this book rests; without their labors no book of synthesis would be possible. Perhaps my first debt of gratitude for help with this book is owed to Theodore Ropp, Professor Emeritus of History, Duke University, who taught me many years ago the importance of synthesizinghistory, and who kindly read and criticized much of the manuscript upon which this book is based. I also owe a great debt to Professor Gunther E. Rothenberg, Professor of History, Purdue University,who not only read most of the manuscript but who urged its publication on Indiana University Press. John S. Coussons, Professor and Chairman of the History Department, The Citadel , made every effort to secure for me reduced teaching duties so that I might find time to complete the project, and I owe him much for his splendid cooperation. The Citadel Development Foundation provided funds for the research and the writing of the book, and I express here my gratitude for that assistance. So many of my colleagues in the History Department at The Citadel have suggested themes and ideas for this book that I hesitate to mention any lest I do an injustice to others. However, John W. Gordon deserves to be named as one with whom it is always a pleasure to have intellectual exchanges. My wife, Amanda, reviewed the Preface I have attempted in this book to present, in a narrative form, a synthesis of the many changes in war that have taken place from the late eighteenth century to the present. The book is not intended to be a complete history of warfare or of wars in that crowded era, but I hope that I have suggested some themes and interpretations which will prove valuable to the student. In addition, I have tried to introduce as many useful facts as possible within a concise form. My underlying assumption in writing this book is that the history of warfare is best understood as a process of change in war's sociopolitical, technological, and organizational aspects. My information was mostly drawn from published sources, but a complete list of the works consulted would be too lengthy to include. I have therefore appended a list of selected sources which may be used as a recommended reading list for the student who wishes to delve further into any aspect of the subject. Finally, I acknowledge my debt to those scholars upon whose published work this book rests; without their labors no book of synthesis would be possible. Perhaps my first debt of gratitude for help with this book is owed to Theodore Ropp, Professor Emeritus of History, Duke University, who taught me many years ago the importance of synthesizing history, and who kindly read and criticized much of the manuscript upon which this book is based. I also owe a great debt to Professor Gunther E. Rothenberg, Professor of History, Purdue University, who not only read most of the manuscript but who urged its publication on Indiana University Press. John S. Coussons, Professor and Chairman of the History Department, The Citadel , made every effort to secure for me reduced teaching duties so that I might find time to complete the project, and lowe him much for his splendid cooperation. The Citadel Development Foundation provided funds for the research and the writing of the book, and I express here my gratitude for that assistance. So many of my colleagues in the History Department...