The American Way of War: A History of United States Military Strategy and Policy

By Russell F. Weigley

Book Overview

... a strong and stimulating book. It has no rival in either scope or quality. For libraries, history buffs, and armchair warriors, it is a must. For political science students, career diplomats, and officers in the armed services, its reading should be required." -History

A particularly timely account." -Kansas City Times

It reads easily but is not a popularized history... nor does the book become a history of battles.... Weigley's analyses and interpretations are searching, competent, and useful." -Perspective

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 025328029X
• ISBN13: 9780253280299
• Release Date: June 1977
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 608 Pages
• Weight: 2.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.2" x 9.2"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Well-written and surprising

If you were assigned this text as part of a college course, you are in luck - it might be the best thing you read all semester. Weigley has a sharp prose style, and he delves into areas of American military history that others either ignore or neglect. I found his take on the war of annihilation against the American Indians especially important, mostly because it is free of political sentimentality and simultaneously captures the human tragedy of the event. His account of the airwar against Germany and Japan is riveting and revealing. Weigley has a gift for making statistics come alive. A great and grand narrative.

Important for the understanding of U.S. foerign policy

Dr.Russell F. Weigley's history and assessment of the American application of political and military power is one of the most detailed and comprehensive studies of its kind. Weigley explores the ever evolving role of the military in an ever changing world, using history as the guideline to establish his facts. This book covers the American Way of War through the second half of this century, and illustrates how U.S. strategy and policy became the benchmark for military institutions the world over to the present day.

Invaluable appraisal of development of US military policy

From Russell Weigley, one of America's most distinguished military historians, The American Way of War illustrates how the nation's political, economic, and social development shaped the military and its methods. Originally published in 1973, the work does not, of course, contain analysis of military policy from Vietnam to the present. Despite this, Weigley's work stands up well and is essential reading for those interested in military history or public policy. His conclusions are solid and writing clear and engaging. Of particular value are chapters covering strategy and policy of the War for Independence, Civil War, and World War II.