Oxford History of Modern War / Edition 2

by Charles Townshend

Overview

How has war shaped modern society and vice versa? How has it changed between the introduction of firearms and the invention of the atom bomb? How is war waged today?

The Oxford History of Modern War examines the techniques, technology, and theory of war from the 'military revolution' of the seventeenth century to the present day, with fascinating thematic chapters by expert contributors covering air and sea warfare, combat experience, women and war, and even opposition to war. All the major developments in warfare are covered, from the development of professionalism and mass armies to guerrilla warfare.

This new, updated edition, with new chapters on 'people's war' and technology and war, brings the story into the twenty-first century, addressing the dilemmas faced by military strategists in confronting international terrorism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	2900192806450
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/22/2005
Edition description:	New Updated Edition
Pages:	432
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Charles Townshend is Professor of History at the University of Keele. His books include Making the Peace: Public Order and Public Security in Modern Britain and Political Violence in Ireland: Government and Resistance since 1848.

Table of Contents

	List of Plates	ix
	List of Contributors	xi
Part I	The Evolution of Modern War
1	Introduction: The Shape of Modern War	3
2	The Military Revolution I: The Transition to Modern Warfare	20
3	The Military Revolution II: Eighteenth-Century War	40
4	The Nation in Arms I: The French Wars	55
5	The Nation in Arms II: The Nineteenth Century	74
6	Imperial Wars: From the Seven Years War to the First World War	94
7	Total War I: The Great War	117
8	Total War II: The Second World War	138
9	Cold War	158
10	People's War	177
Part II	Elements of Modern War
11	Technology and War I: To 1945	201
12	Battle: The Experience of Modern Combat	224
13	Sea Warfare	245
14	Air Warfare	262
15	War and the People: The Social Impact of Total War	280
16	Women and War	303
17	Against War	317
18	Technology and War II: From Nuclear Stalemate to Terrorism	341
	Further Reading	365
	Chronology	378
	Index	387

Editorial Reviews

"This book, which is an excellent overview of the topic, consists of a series of well-integrated essays."—Professor John Rosser, Boston College

"[Charles Townshend's] name ensures the quality of a book under his editorship... He has also found a creative means to explore a very large subject."—Daily Telegraph

"Adopts a refreshing analytical format...[A] readable and substantial survey, [with] stimulating text."—Diplomacy and Statecraft

"This volume bursts with stunning insights..."—Edmonton Journal

From the Publisher