Books in America at War series

The Persian Gulf War was the first war that the United States was officially involved in as a combatant after the Vietnam War. It was a war in which many new technological, strategic, political, and economic elements came together for the first time, making the war a particularly unique experience for American soldiers and those at home. The colorful Persian Gulf War, Revised Edition is a complete reference for students, teachers, war historians, war history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in modern U.S. history. Engaging sidebars, suggestions for further research, and an informative chapter about the new military tactics and weapons involved rounds out this new edition.

The United States was swept into the Spanish-American War with the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Cuba's Havana harbor, which spurred a surge of anti-Spanish sentiment among Americans through the use of yellow journalism. Spanish-American War, Revised Edition gives a lively account of the events leading to war and of the ensuing battles fought on land and sea, ending with a thought-provoking assessment of this important conflict from which the United States emerged as a major player on the world stage. This new edition also features a chapter devoted to the new military tactics and weapons used during the conflict, giving researchers a full picture of the war.

The world had not fully recovered from the horror of World War I or the anguish of its catastrophic aftermath, the Great Depression, before an even greater war commenced. The Third Reich of Adolf Hitler threatened to dominate all of Europe and, as the physicist Albert Einstein rushed to bring to the attention of President Franklin Roosevelt, the limitless destructive power of the atom was well within the reach of Nazi Germany. World War II, Revised Edition presents the complete story of America's war in Europe and in the Pacific, from Pearl Harbor to the Normandy invasion to the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Vivid photographs, illustrations, and maps, along with helpful research features, make this book an invaluable addition to any classroom or library. Also included in this new edition is a chapter devoted to the military innovations seen during this massive war.

For good reason, the second and third days of the Battle of Gettysburg have received the lion's share of attention from historians. With this book, however, the critical first day's fighting finally receives its due. After sketching the background of the Gettysburg campaign and recounting the events immediately preceding the battle, Harry Pfanz offers a detailed tactical description of events of the first day. He describes the engagements in McPherson Woods, at the Railroad Cuts, on Oak Ridge, on Seminary Ridge, and at Blocher's Knoll, as well as the retreat of Union forces through Gettysburg and the Federal rally on Cemetery Hill. Throughout, he draws on deep research in published and archival sources to challenge many long-held assumptions about the battle.

Believing it could act with impunity in a world exhausted by war, communist North Korea decided to invade and annex Western-allied South Korea in June 1950. President Harry Truman, who feared from the beginning that Korea was "the opening round of World War III," committed U.S. troops to repulse the invaders. America's first "limited" war—and the first armed conflict of the cold war era—had begun. Three years of brutal fighting followed, leading to the deaths of more than half a million North Korean and Chinese soldiers, and more than 50,000 Americans. Korean War, Revised Edition recalls this momentous but largely forgotten event from recent American history through riveting full-color and black-and-white images, informative sidebars, suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and an index. A new chapter to this edition focuses on the new military tactics and innovations used during this armed conflict.

Chronology of Wars, Revised Edition discusses the 13 wars examined in the other America at War titles from a chronological perspective. The chronology includes an introduction that calls attention to relevant themes that persist throughout America's wartime past and looks from a different perspective at many of the same subjects covered in the war-specific editions. The historical conflicts of the United States are illuminated in this valuable resource for students, librarians, teachers, and young adults who are interested in American history and military history.

The 1862 battle of Pea Ridge in northwestern Arkansas was one of the largest Civil War engagements fought on the western frontier, and it dramatically altered the balance of power in the Trans-Mississippi. This study of the battle is based on research in archives from Connecticut to California and includes a pioneering study of the terrain of the sprawling battlefield, as well as an examination of soldiers' personal experiences, the use of Native American troops, and the role of Pea Ridge in regional folklore."A model campaign history that merits recognition as a major contribution to the literature on Civil War military operations.--Journal of Military History "Shines welcome light on the war's largest battle west of the Mississippi.--USA Today "With its exhaustive research and lively prose style, this military study is virtually a model work of its kind.--Publishers Weekly "A thoroughly researched and well-told account of an important but often neglected Civil War encounter.--Kirkus Reviews "Offers the rich tactical detail, maps, and order of battle that military scholars love but retains a very readable style combined with liberal use of recollections of the troops and leaders involved.--Library Journal "This book is assured of a place among the best of all studies that have been published on Civil War campaigns.--American Historical Review "Destined to become a Civil War classic and a model for writing military history.--Civil War History "A campaign study of a caliber that all should strive for and few will equal.--Journal of American History "An excellent and detailed book in all accounts, scholarly and readable, with both clear writing and excellent analysis. . . . Utterly essential . . . for any serious student of the Civil War.--Civil War News

In clear, lucid prose, Vietnam War, Revised Edition explores the critical questions surrounding the United States' experience in Vietnam: What led President Lyndon B. Johnson to commit combat troops in 1965? How was it possible for the North Vietnamese to suffer a military defeat in the Tet Offensive in 1968 and yet achieve a political victory? What has America learned from the experience of fighting in Vietnam? This riveting history includes a clear discussion of the roots of U.S. involvement in Indochina in the days just after World War II and goes on to explore the varied and complex motives behind America's effort to halt the spread of communism in Asia. This new edition also features a chapter focusing on the innovative military tactics and weaponry involved throughout the conflict.

The Revolutionary War was initiated following disputes between Great Britain and its North American colonies. Arguments over settlement, trade, and a variety of new laws in the new world created discontent that eventually sparked a war. Learn more about this conflict, its key players, battles, heroes, and resolution in Revolutionary War, an America at War book.