Major Events in U.S. Military History

In 1962, people in the United States, Cuba, and the Soviet Union, seemed to be holding their breath as they stood at the precipice of nuclear war. U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara later recalled that he thought October 27, 1962, ""was the last Saturday I would ever see."" Packed with interesting sidebars and fascinating facts, this book transports readers back to a time of political intrigue. John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, and Nikita Khrushchev are examined as well as related events such as the Bay of Pigs.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are often referred to as the beginning of the American Revolution in April 1777. However, the towns were also the location of key events both before and after the war. This book provides a detailed look at these famous battles, including the mysterious first shot of the war, also called "" the shot heard round the world."" Primary sources, interesting sidebars offering more information, and a timeline of the entire war makes this a powerful resource of this period in American history.

In 1861, the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the American Civil War. Union troops surrendered after 36 hours of fierce battle. The controversial election of Abraham Lincoln, the contentious issue of slavery, and the South's demand for states' rights all factored into this momentous event. This book delves into other key moments of the war that followed. A detailed timeline, historical paintings, and primary sources bring to life the historic conflict that divided a country.

Allied forces led by the United States and England landed in German-occupied France on June 6, 1944. More than 160,000 soldiers landed in Normandy. The fates of these forces, the key figures of leadership, and the adversity and triumphs of World War II are recounted in this detailed volume, which includes an overview of many other significant military events. Readers will be drawn to the incredible wartime photographs and appreciate the detailed timeline concluding this important addition to any history collection.

The United States may never have entered World War II if it were not for the Japanese attack on the U.S. fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. Upon hearing of the attack, the American public clamored for a declaration of war against Japan, which soon led to combat with Italy and Germany as well. Japan's motivation for attacking the United States and the repercussions of the event--including the internment of Japanese Americans in the states--are thoroughly discussed in this powerful book. Actual wartime photographs and absorbing narratives will inspire history buffs as well as anyone interested in this time period.