Warfare in the Twentieth Century: Theory and Practice (Routledge Library Editions: Historical Security Book 8)

The twentieth century was dominated by war and by preparations for war in a way that is unparalleled in history. Originally published in 1988, this textbook highlights key themes of warfare throughout the world and emphasizes the gulf between the theory of war and its practice. The contributors are professional historians and strategists who consider the impact of war upon society, theories of insurgency and counter-insurgency and nuclear strategy, as well as more ‘traditional topics’ such as tactics and strategy on land, the role of sea power, the evolution of strategic bombing, colonial and revolutionary warfare. Each chapter discusses recent research on the topic and provides guides to further reading. Together they give a clear up-to-date overview of the conflicts which dominated the twentieth century. This textbook is useful reading for all students and teachers of strategic and war studies, military history and international relations and for all those concerned with the study of major conflicts in the twentieth century. The twentieth century was dominated by war and by preparations for war in a way that is unparalleled in history. Originally published in 1988, this book highlights key themes of warfare throughout the world and emphasizes the gulf between the theory of war and its practice. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Original Title Page 6 Original Copyright Page 7 Table of Contents 8 Erratum 9 Editors' Introduction 10 Contributors 14 1 Total War 18 2 Colonial Warfare 1900–39 41 3 Blitzkrieg and Attrition: Land Operations in Europe 1914–45 68 4 Naval Power 97 5 The Theory and Practice of Strategic Bombing 130 6 Nuclear Strategy 157 7 Limited War 181 8 Guerrilla Warfare: Insurgency and Counter-Insurgency Since 1945 211 9 The Battlefield Since 1945 230 Further Reading 253 Index 254 war preparation,military strategy,sea power,strategic bombing,military history,colonial warfare,Guerrilla warfare