Tech in the Trenches

In the twenty-first century, a new kind of conflict has arisen. Dubbed the War on Terror, this confrontation uses many fighting techniques first implemented centuries ago alongside high-tech weaponry. This book explores the history behind today's conflicts and the inventions that are being created both on and off the battlefield.

From 1936 to 1939, the Spanish Civil War ravished a nation. This was a time filled with both suffering and triumph. During it, many inventions were created, improved, or repurposed. This book describes the history behind the conflict and the key innovations that improved or impacted daily life both on and off the battlefield.

During the Middle Ages, many Christians in Europe set off on crusades to the Middle East. The conflicts that occurred as a result of these "holy pilgrimages" created deep divisions between the two cultures. However, along with conflict arose new techniques on the battlefield, including innovations in weaponry and fighting tactics. This book explores the history of the crusades and the inventions that manifested during this time.

Following on the heels of the devastation of World War II, the Korean War brought many different emotions to the American people. Some were angry to be involved in another conflict so soon, while others were spurred by the rise of Communism in other parts of the world. Regardless, during this time many technologies were being developed, tested, or improved. This book explains the reasons behind the Korean War and discusses the leading technologies that defined the era and were developed during this conflict.

Quickly following the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to power over France. He began to spread French dominance over other parts of Europe. Eventually, conflicts arose, giving birth to the Napoleonic Wars. This was a time not only of French influence but also of innovation. This book details the events and causes of the Napoleonic Wars as well as explores how invention helped in the conflicts and evolved into more modern uses today.

The French Revolution was inspired by the American Revolution. Having seen that one nation could break free from a monarchy, the French took heart and launched their own attempt. This was a time of great invention as well as great horror, ultimately leading to a new government. Strategic Inventions of the French Revolution delves into the conflict's history and examines the most innovative developments of the era-among them the dreaded guillotine.