For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America

Abstract

Now fully updated and totally revised, this highly regarded classic remains most comprehensive study available of America's military history. Dubbed the preeminent survey of American military history (Russell F. Weigley, author of The American Way of War), For Common Defense has established itself as an essential fixture in field. In this major revision, authors Allan R. Millett and Peter Maslowski add last twenty years of story to a meticulously researched, unbiased analysis that has already withstood test of time. While many books cover different chapters of nation's military history, only this one tackles full narrative, examining characteristics of our evolving military policy alongside impact that policy has had on America's international relations and domestic development. This latest incarnation, exhaustively revised, includes updates throughout that reflect current dialogues surrounding key moments in history. In addition to replacing chapters on Korea, Vietnam, and collapsed Soviet Union, authors have composed new sections on complex role of war in United States since 1994 and War on Terror. An extraordinary accomplishment of research, analysis, and accessible writing on everything from pre-Revolutionary War battles to fighting in Afghanistan, For Common Defense is as relevant and important as ever.