The American Military: A Narrative History [Paperback]

The American Military: A Narrative History presents a comprehensive introduction to more than four centuries of American military history.

• Presents a chronological account of American military history from clashes between militias and Native Americans to 21st-century operations in Afghanistan and Iraq
• Features personal vignettes to put a human face on armed conflict
• Addresses patterns of national service, the evolution of civil-military relations, and the advent of all-volunteer forces
• Puts events in historical context, and considers cultural, social, political, economic, and technological developments

List of Illustrations xi

Acknowledgments xv

Prologue: Freedom is not Free 1

1 An Uncommon Defense (1607–1775) 6

Introduction 6

The Militia 8

Skulking 11

Wars of Extirpation 12

Imperial March 15

The French and Indian War 18

Martial Law 21

Rebel Forces 24

Conclusion 26

Essential Questions 27

Suggested Readings 28

2 War for Independence (1775–1787) 29

Introduction 29

American Crisis 31

Year of the Hangman 35

The Alliance 38

Outside the Lines 42

Southern Strategy 44

Yorktown 48

A Standing Miracle 49

Conclusion 51

Essential Questions 52

Suggested Readings 53

3 Establishing the Military (1787–1812) 54

Introduction 54lóå