Warfare in World History

Wars create dramatic change in a very short period of time and are therefore fascinating to historians and general readers alike. This thorough, accessible work traces the role of warfare in world history and the dramatic consequences of these pivotal events. Covering the major periods of military history, Neiberg details the evolution of technology in weaponry as well as the social, political, and cultural forces at the heart of these key conflicts. From the pre-gunpowder era to the wars of liberation fought across the Third World, this monumental survey focuses not only on the famous and heroic, but also on the countless millions who have fought for these causes throughout history.

Despite the catastrophic effects of war, wars have also proved to be instrumental to long-term change in world history This text is the first of its kind to survey how warfare has developed from ancient times to the present day and the role it has played in shaping the world we know. The periods discussed include: * the pre-gunpowder era* the development of gunpowder weapons and their rapid adoption in Western Europe* the French Revolution and the industrialization of warfare* the First and Second World Wars* the Cold War and the wars of liberation fought across the Third World. With in-depth examples illustrating the dominant themes in the history of warfare, Warfare in World History focuses not only on the famous and heroic, but also discusses the experiences of countless millions of unknowns who have fought in wars over time.

Acknowledgments, Prelude: 5 June 1944, 1 The classical age (to 500 CE), 2 The post-classical period (500 to 1450), 3 The emergence of gunpowder weapons, 1450 to 1776, 4 Nationalism and industrialism, 5 World War I, 6 World War II, 7 The Cold War and beyond, Conclusions, Index

Michael S. Neiberg