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TRENDING  THE CASTE WAR · B.H. LIDDELL HART · REVERIES ON THE ART OF WAR ·  MEDIEVAL MILITARY HISTORY · THE FEBRUARY REVOLUTION

PROFESSOR BENJAMIN J. SWENSON: WRITINGS ON THE MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR
In late 1848, immediately following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War (1846–8), nearly a thousand Americans left New Orleans aboard a vessel named Florida to fight Mayan insurrectionists who recently launched a racially-driven campaign against the Yucatecan (criollo) ruling class in a multi-decade conflict known the Caste War (1847–1901). Coming on the heels a continental conflict in which U.S. leaders contemplated annexing of all of Mexico, and Yucatan under a recalibrated ‘Monroe Doctrine,’ the expedition was one of many operations reacting to a myriad of indigenous revolts throughout that country and the borderlands. The nine-hundred-plus mercenaries recklessly believed that they would easily overwhelm the Mayan insurgents, who were surprised at the unexpected arrival of non-Spanish-speaking foreigners from the opposite side of the Gulf. (Click image for the complete article)

PROF. BRIAN TODD CAREY'S READINGS IN MILITARY PHILOSOPHY

France under Louis XIV (the “Sun King” r.1614-1715) was the most powerful state in Western Europe through the eighteenth century as it sought to maintain and at times, expand its influence over the continent. During Europe’s Dynastic Age of warfare (1648-1789), talented aristocratic officers rose through the ranks of the French army, some French born, others of foreign aristocratic birth. One such talented officer was Maurice de Saxe (1696-1750). As an officer and commander, the Marshal de Saxe penned an important treatise published posthumously in 1757 entitled Reveries on the Art of War (Reveries sur l'Art de la Guerre), a profoundly influential treatment on the importance of discipline and morale on troop performance, as well as practical guidance on tactical formations, logistics, and fortifications, often referencing earlier Roman models tuned for contemporary applications. (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: THE EASTERN FRONT

The Battle of Stalingrad, fought between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union from August 1942 to February 1943, was a turning point for the war in the Eastern Front. The battle was marked by intense urban warfare and direct assaults on civilians in air raids. It was the bloodiest battle of the Second World War, with both sides suffering enormous casualties. Devastated by the Nazi invasion, the Soviet Union was determined to defend Stalingrad, a strategically important industrial and transport hub on the Volga River. Not only was control of Stalingrad vital for access to the oil fields of the Caucasus but also for control of the entire Volga. (Click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR I: 1914-1918

Winston Churchill, a man with a burning ambition and a delusion of grandeur, his innate desire to take control and command of the situation, led to the catastrophic failure of the Gallipoli campaign. The ambitious Churchill could visualize great movements and combinations in his mind, which he believed could have turned the tide in favor of Britain during the Great War. Churchill had proposed a bold strategy to break the deadly stalemate in the Western Front. It involved Britain and the French-led Allied forces attacking the Gallipoli Peninsula on the northern side of the narrow 38-mile Dardanelles strait in northwest Turkey. The invasion was aimed at giving the British a clear sea route to their ally, Russia, and also knocking the fading Ottoman Empire, the “sick man of Europe” out of the war. (Click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: THE WAR IN NORTH AFRICA

The Battle of Kasserine Pass in Tunisia was a significant moment during World War II as it marked the first major engagement between American and German forces. The Kasserine Pass was a critical point of convergence for the Allied supply lines, which were essential for the success of the North African campaign. The battle took place in Tunisia on 14 February 1943 and was a resounding defeat for the United States Army. The German offensive, led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, was a prelude to a series of clashes that became known as the Battle of Kasserine Pass, which lasted for one week. The battle was a sobering moment for the Allied forces, as it exposed the weaknesses in their strategy, chain of supply, and military tactics. (Click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: WAR IN THE PACIFIC

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a pivotal moment in the Pacific War during World War II. The United States military launched Operation Detachment on 19 February 1945, with the objective of capturing the island of Iwo Jima from the Imperial Japanese Army. The island had two airfields, South Field and Central Field, that the Americans needed to capture as they would provide important airstrips for their planes. In the following weeks, the battle saw some of the most vicious fighting of the Pacific War, leading to the deaths of thousands on both sides. (click image for the complete article

THE VIETNAM WAR ERA: 1955-1975

Operation Junction City was an 82-day military operation that took place during the Vietnam War in 1967. The operation was a joint effort between United States and Republic of Vietnam (RVN) forces aimed at locating the elusive Communist uprising in South Vietnam, the Central Office of South Vietnam. The operation involved the equivalent of nearly three divisions of U.S. troops and was the first U.S. combat airborne operation since the Korean War. The grand tactical plan for Junction City involved a "hammer and anvil" tactic, with airborne forces "flushing out" the VC headquarters and driving it against a prepared "anvil" of other forces. The U.S. forces included most of the 1st Infantry Division and the 25th Infantry Division, including the airborne troops of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and large armored elements of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. (Click image for the complete article)

THE INTERWAR YEARS: 1918-1939

On the night of 27 February 1933, the Reichstag building in Berlin—the seat of the German parliament and a potent symbol of the Weimar Republic’s fragile democracy—was engulfed in flames. This pivotal event served as the catalyst for the rapid consolidation of Nazi power, marking the definitive end of democratic governance in Germany and setting the nation on a trajectory toward the devastation of World War II. To understand the significance of the Reichstag Fire, one must examine the precarious state of the Weimar Republic in early 1933. Germany was grappling with the severe economic fallout of the Great Depression, which had radicalized the electorate and swelled the ranks of both the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and the Communist Party of Germany (KPD). (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: THE WAR IN WESTERN EUROPE

The Battle of Remagen was a pivotal moment in the Allied invasion of Germany during World War II. This battle was fought in the small German town of Remagen across the River Rhine, which separated the Allies from Nazi Germany. The American Army's capture of the Ludendorff Bridge is considered to be a crucial turning point in the war. The capture of the Ludendorff Bridge over the Rhine provided the Allied forces with an unexpected and crucial crossing point into the German heartland, allowing them to rapidly establish a strong bridgehead on the eastern side of the river. This strategic victory enabled the Allies to transport five divisions across the Rhine into the Ruhr, Germany's industrial heartland. (Click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR I: 1914-1918

On the precipice of World War I in 1917, Russia found herself at the heart of an immense historical upheaval that would alter not only her course but the world's as well. Two revolutions unfolded, each rippling across the globe, signaling irreversible change. When Nicholas II ascended the throne in 1894, it was with the expectation of lifelong rule, continuing the lineage of absolute power bequeathed by his father, Alexander III. Yet, barely two decades into his reign, Nicholas would witness the disintegration of both his authority and the tsarist regime itself—a monumental descent catalyzed by socioeconomic tribulations.The societal fabric of Russia bore scars from economic stagnation intertwined with burgeoning industrialization, leading to widespread urban food shortages and rural discontent over sluggish land reform. Political unrest fomented among moderates, who pressed for Western-inspired liberalism, and socialist factions championed more drastic solutions. However, it was the catalyst of war that ignited change, cumulating in the February revolution. (Click image for the complete article)

THE VIETNAM WAR ERA: 1955-1975

On 8 March 1965, the character of American involvement in Vietnam underwent a fundamental transformation. On that day, 3,500 United States Marines of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade waded ashore on the beaches near Da Nang, South Vietnam. This event marked the official deployment of the first U.S. combat ground troops, signaling the beginning of America's ground war and a significant escalation of the conflict. The Marines' arrival was not a spontaneous decision but the result of evolving political calculations and military strategies in Washington and Saigon. (click image for the complete article)

THE VIETNAM WAR: PROLOGUE

The occurrence of significant historical events is never a coincidence, especially when it comes to major conflicts and wars throughout history. These events are shaped by a multitude of political, economic, imperialistic, and societal factors that are instrumental in propelling countries into war. The Vietnam War, for instance, cannot be fully understood without considering the aftermath of World War II. One indelible event that ought to be considered in this context is the pivotal Battle of Dien Bien Phu. This battle was a significant turning point in Vietnamese history, and it marked the end of French colonial influence in the region. It lasted for over two months, from March to May 1954, and had a detrimental effect on both sides of the war. Dien Bien Phu was fought between French troops, who aimed to maintain their empire by controlling Indochina, and Vietnamese soldiers, who were motivated by the desire to reclaim their sovereignty. The Vietnamese were ultimately successful, thanks to their superior tactics, and with this, colonialism in Asia faced a grueling defeat that would shape the region's future. The impact of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu went beyond just Vietnam, as it inspired nationalist movements throughout the entire Asian continent. (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: WAR IN WESTERN EUROPE

Stalag Luft III marked a significant chapter in the history of World War II, particularly for the captured Western Allied Air personnel it confined. Situated in Sagan, Lower Silesia, the camp acquired notoriety for its sand-rich soil, a strategic detail that rendered escape through tunneling a formidable challenge. Despite the physical barriers, the prisoners within — resilient and determined — orchestrated daring breakouts that have since become the stuff of legends. On the night of 24th to 25th March 1944, under the pervading darkness, the notorious mass escape from Stalag Luft III, now etched into the annals of military history as 'The Great Escape’, was set into motion. Squadron Leader Roger Bushell, with his legal acumen, marshaled the efforts of the Escape Committee, leading the audacious plan to fruition. Group Captain Herbert Massey gave his crucial approval, recognizing that the unprecedented scale of the escape demanded the meticulous digging of not one but three tunnels—Tom, Dick, and Harry—to confound the guards with an unimaginable duplicity in their efforts. (click image for the complete article)

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: WAR BETWEEN THE STATES

The Appomattox campaign marked a turning point in the American Civil War. It was the culmination of four years of fighting, and the decisive victory by the Union Army signaled the end of the war and the beginning of a new era in American history. The Appomattox campaign was one of the most critical and decisive events of the United States Civil War. The campaign marked the end of the longest and most brutal conflict in American history and gave rise to the dawn of a new era, one in which slavery was abolished, and the prospects of unity and progress were enhanced. (Click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: WAR IN THE PACIFIC

The island of Okinawa, located approximately 350 miles from Japan's home islands, was the largest land, air, and sea battle in history and longest of the Pacific War. The United States' goal was to secure the island, as its airfields and waters were essential staging areas for the planned invasion of Japan, known as Operations Olympic and Coronet. Winning the battle meant the potential deployment of an estimated one million troops authorized by President Harry S. Truman, further increasing the urgency and intensity of the fighting. The scale of the conflict was immense, and the battle resulted in significant losses for both sides. The Japanese lost more soldiers and sailors at the Battle of Okinawa than in any other battle of the Second World War, and the civilian population suffered alongside them. More than one-third of the entire Okinawan population lost their lives during the 82 days of war, with many perishing at the hands of American firepower, and tens of thousands more by the Japanese Army. (click image for the complete article)

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: WAR BETWEEN THE STATES 1861-65

The Battle of Shiloh was a turning point in the American Civil War and a defining moment in the history of the United States. The two-day conflict, fought on April 6-7, 1862, between General Ulysses S. Grant's Union forces and General Albert Sidney Johnston's Confederate troops, resulted in a Union victory that changed the course of the war. The battle was fought in southwestern Tennessee, along the Tennessee River, and was known by the Union as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, after the landing where Grant's troops disembarked. he battle was one of the bloodiest of the Civil War--to that time--with nearly 24,000 soldiers killed or wounded. However, despite the heavy losses, it was a turning point in the war as it marked the Union's first major victory in the Western Theater. The victory at Shiloh gave the Union control of crucial railroads and waterways in the region, which was vital for future military operations and supply lines. (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: WAR IN THE PACIFIC

The Bataan Death March marked one of the darkest moments of the Second World War. In April 1942, the Imperial Japanese Army ordered nearly 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers, who had surrendered in the battle of Bataan, to march 65 miles through the sweltering heat of the Philippines without food, water, or medical care. The aim of this forced march was to take the prisoners to different prison camps where they would be held captive under brutal and inhumane conditions. (click image for the complete article)

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: WAR BETWEEN THE STATES

The Great Locomotive Chase was a daring military action initiated on 12 April 1862, in northern Georgia, during the American Civil War. Conceived by civilian scout James J. Andrews and executed by Union Army volunteers, this mission sought to cripple the Confederate stronghold by disrupting the Western and Atlantic Railroad. In a meticulous chain of events, members cut telegraph wires, destroyed track switches and bridges, and ultimately commandeered the steam engine General to redirect toward Chattanooga, Tennessee. This offensive march spanned 87 miles and evaded initial Confederate attempts at interdiction due to the severed communication lines. Though the chase ended in the capture of most Union men by Confederate Colonel William Aiken in Ringgold, Georgia, it represents a significant chapter of Civil War history.  (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR II: WAR IN THE PACIFIC

Ernie Pyle remains a towering figure in the annals of American journalism, etching an indelible legacy as the voice of the common soldier during the cataclysm of World War II. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1944, Pyle captured the grim realities of war with a poignant clarity that bridged the front lines and the home front. His dispatches offered a window into the souls of the infantrymen, whose stories of bravery and sacrifice became the heartbeat of his revered columns. Before the war's outbreak, Pyle had already established his empathetic narrative voice through human interest stories that crisscrossed the North American continent. Starting in 1935, these stories laid the groundwork for the textured dispatches he would later write from the European Theater from 1942 to 1944 and the Pacific Theater in 1945.  (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR I

Manfred von Richthofen, widely known as the 'Red Baron', was a figure of valor and tactical prowess during the tumultuous skies of the First World War. Born into an aristocratic Prussian family on 2 May 1892 in Breslau, Germany (present-day Wrocław, Poland), he would rise to become a legendary German flying ace, claiming an unparalleled 80 victories against Allied aircraft. Richthofen initially served with the cavalry; however, his destiny took a soaring turn upon transferring to the Luftstreitkrafte (Imperial German Air Service) in 1915. By 1917, his escalating notoriety as a pilot propelled him to command Jasta 11, lifting him to national hero status within Germany. His astute fighter tactics granted him prestigious awards, including the Pour le Merite, commonly referred to as the 'Blue Max', Oak Leaves with Swords and Diamonds, and Iron Crosses of both the 1st and 2nd Class. (click image for the complete article)

WORLD WAR I: 1914-1918

The Second Battle of Ypres, fought from April 22 to May 25, 1915, marked a significant turning point in World War I as it was the first time Germany used poison gas on the Western Front. The Second Battle of Ypres was fought for control of the strategically important area east and south of the Flemish town of Ypres in western Belgium. It was the second battle fought in this region, following the previous autumn's First Battle of Ypres.The battle comprised four distinct engagements: the Battle of Gravenstafel Ridge, the Battle of St. Julien, the Battle of Frezenberg, and the Battle of Bellewaarde. (click image for the complete article)

19TH CENTURY WAR AND CONFLICT

The Battle of Derna, fought on April 27, 1805, was a significant turning point in the First Barbary War, also referred to as the Tripolitan War or the Barbary Coast War. The conflict marked one of the earliest military engagements in U.S. history and stemmed from trade disputes between the United States and Tripolitania, a state within the Barbary Coast — a region notorious for state-sponsored piracy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. At the time, merchant ships traveling through the Mediterranean Sea faced constant threats from Tripolitanian pirates, who would capture crews and cargo, then demand ransom or tribute for their release. European powers, seeking to avoid conflict, opted to pay annual tributes in exchange for safe passage for their ships. The United States, which had initially followed a similar course of action, changed its stance under President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson famously declared that the young nation would no longer bow to the demands of piracy, stating, "The wind blows hard against the shores of Tripoli, and so must our willingness to surrender." This bold decision set the stage for a naval confrontation and marked America's first overseas war. (click image for the complete article)

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR: WAR BETWEEN THE STATES 1861-1865

The Battle of Chancellorsville is often epitomized as a paragon of military leadership and strategy, particularly from the Confederate perspective due to General Robert E. Lee's masterful employment of complex battle tactics in the face of considerable numerical disadvantage. This encounter, which spanned from April 30 to May 6, 1863, unfolded near the village of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and was a pivotal event in the American Civil War, underpinned by the tactical acumen that contributed to its classification as "Lee's Perfect Battle." (click image for the complete article)