American Military History: A Documentary Reader

A collection of primary documents that explore the many facets of the American military from the colonial period to the present

The second edition of American Military History offers an exceptional collection of primary documents relating to history of the military of the United States from 1607 through the present. The writings offer insight into the armed forces in relation to the social, cultural, economic, political, and territorial development of the United States. Several documents comment on strategic initiatives, combat operations, force structure, public policy, and home fronts. The writings also present firsthand testimony of extraordinary men and women in uniform and most of the documents explore the connections between combatants and the societies that produced them.

From the beginnings of the war against the natives through the tragedy of the Civil War and up to the current Global War on Terror, American Military History offers a chronological account of the evolution of the United States military. This vital text:

• Includes writings that explore the diversity of the armed forces
• Explores leadership in America’s military affairs
• Traces America’s ways of war beginning in 1607 through the present
• Examines the patterns of design and purpose of the American military over time
• Reveals the vitality of civil-military relations in the United States

Written for academics and students of military history, American Military History is an important text that draws on primary sources to explore the many facets of America’s military history.

Keywords:

Powhatan Describes War among the Natives; John Mason Campaigns against the Pequot; Elizabeth Bacon Observes Skirmishes in Virginia; Benjamin Church Plans for Action in New England; James Oglethorpe Strikes Spanish Outposts; Robert Rogers Provides Rules for the Rangers; An Unknown Soldier Sings Yankee Doodle; War for Independence; James Monroe Goes to War; Albigence Waldo Treats Soldiers at Valley Forge; Jeffrey Brace Fights for Liberty; John Paul Jones Captures a British Frigate; A French Officer Draws the Continental Line; Deborah Sampson Wears a Uniform; George Washington Bids Farewell to the Army; Establishing the Military; Alexander Hamilton Considers National Forces; Henry Knox Arranges the Militia