Turning Points in U.S. Military History

In 1962, people around the world, but especially in the United States, Cuba, and the Soviet Union, seemed to be holding their breath as they wondered if a nuclear war was about to erupt. US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara later recalled that he thought October 27, 1962, "was the last Saturday I would ever see." This notable book, packed with interesting sidebars and fascinating facts, transports readers back to a time of political intrigue. Key figures such as John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, and Nikita Khrushchev are examined as well as related events such as the Bay of Pigs.

The Confederate attack on Fort Sumter in 1861 marked the beginning of the American Civil War. Federal troops eventually surrendered after 36 hours of open fire. 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, an excellent Civil War resource, also delves into other key moments of the war that followed. A detailed timeline, historical paintings, and actual Civil War photographs bring to life the terrible conflict that divided a country.

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces led by the United States and England landed in German-occupied France. Years in the planning, 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 is recounted in this fascinating volume, which includes an overview of many other significant military events. Readers will love the incredible wartime photographs and appreciate the detailed timeline concluding this important addition to any history collection.

Without the Japanese attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, the United States might never have entered World War II. Instead, the American public clamored for a declaration of war against Japan, which soon led to combat with Italy and Germany as well. The motivations for Japan to attack the United States and the repercussions of the event, including the internment of Japanese-Americans, are thoroughly discussed in this valuable book. Actual wartime photographs and absorbing anecdotes will inspire history buffs and anyone interested in this time period.

The Tet Offensive of 1968 was the turning point of the Vietnam War. It convinced many Americans that the war could not be won. In this book, readers will learn about the different factions of the war: the North Vietnamese Army, the Viet Cong, the South Vietnamese, and the American military forces. They will learn about the strategies of each side that led to the eventual fall of South Vietnam in 1975. Stunning photographs, sidebars delving into various aspects of the war, and a detailed timeline make this book a valuable look into a complicated conflict.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are often glossed over in history books as the beginning of the American Revolution in April 1777. However, how they fit in with the events before and after the war, and are well worth reading about. 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." Beautiful portraits of the events, interesting sidebars offering more information, and a timeline of the entire war makes this a beneficial resource of this period in American history.