Warfare Through the Centuries

The Renaissance marked a transformation in the arts, sciences, and cultures across Europe. Governments became more centralized and stable. However, this doesn't mean warfare waned. Fortifications grew larger and stronger to withstand the barrage from siege weapons. Italian engineers developed the star-shaped fortress to better defend their communities. Guns and cannons became more dependable and powerful. Many trained soldiers became mercenaries who were paid to wage war. Readers will learn about warfare during the Renaissance through dazzling photographs, primary sources, and battle maps from history.

Armies of the late 20th century made liberal use of new technologies, effectively changing the way war has been waged for 100 years. Stealth planes and drones allow armies to spy on and attack their enemies in new ways. GPS technology allows militaries to navigate the world and locate the enemy with more ease. The many battles taking place all over the world at the end of the 20th century culminated in the 21st century's "War on Terror." Readers are presented with information regarding numerous wars, commanders, tactics, and much more. The text is supplemented by primary sources and maps of battles.

Barely 20 years after World War I, the so-called the war to end all wars, World War II shattered the tentative peace between nations. The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich threatened countries across Europe. German forces invaded Poland on September1, 1939. England and France quickly leapt into the conflict, soon followed by countries and armies around the globe. Soon, technological and nuclear advances made atomic warfare possible. Readers will explore many facets of World War II, from the leaders and commanders who directed forces to the tactics that made a difference in the war. Battle maps and primary sources help make this a well-rounded reading experience.

The 18th century was a time of colonialization and bloodshed. Explorers from European countries, including Spain, England, and Portugal, had claimed land in the so-called New World for those countries, leading to conflict with the many Native peoples who already lived there. In Europe and the Americas, battles over land led to the Seven Years' War and its associated conflicts, including the French and Indian War. Detailed sidebars, primary sources, and battle plans are sure to help draw in readers.

The Revolutionary War was fought between Britain and the British colonies in North America. This conflict resulted in the formation of the United States. It also inspired others to fight for their independence, particularly in France. The French Revolution, however, spread into further, larger conflicts today known as the Napoleonic Wars, which had far-reaching implications for most Europeans. Readers will be drawn into the fray with in-depth explorations of this time and colorful, dynamic designs.

The American Civil War was a time of great strife and great change in the United States. It's often said that "brother fought against brother" in the war to emphasize the division that the events wrought upon the young country. This volume explores events before the war, its battles, the people involved, and the outcome in vivid detail. Sidebars with additional information and maps of battles are sure to help readers get the most out of this informative, dynamic guide.

During the Middle Ages, Europe and Asia were comprised of many different political divisions with different capabilities and customs. Armies differed in the tactics they used and the weapons they wielded. Some relied on calvary; others relied on infantry. Armored knights on horseback often brandished broad swords and lances. This was the era of the castle-many of which still stand across the continent-which led to the rise of siege warfare and powerful artillery. The detailed text is supplemented with primary sources, full-color photographs, battle maps, and breakout biographies.

World War I was once called "the war to end all wars." It involved many countries around the world and marked the beginning of an increased American presence globally. World War I marked the start of trench warfare as countries carved up land all over Europe. More powerful and dependable firepower included improved machine guns and artillery. Navies fought using dreadnaughts, destroyers, and submarines, and airplanes were first used for warfare. The bloody battles of this war took place over four years setting the stage for World War II. Primary sources, full-color images, and maps depicting battle movements are sure to support reader comprehension.

It's true that some things never change. In some ways, a look at warfare in the ancient illustrates that perfectly. In this book, readers explore the people, countries, battles, and weaponry of ancient armies. The text shows the development of battle tactics and technology, including successful leaders, technological upgrades such as the chariot and the bireme, consequential wins and losses, and much more. Primary sources help readers visualize ancient events, and maps help them grasp the significance of individual battles.

The Industrial Revolution, which took hold in Europe in the late 18th century, changed the lives of people in many ways. The technology of warfare also changed quickly and dramatically. New firepower included powerful artillery, repeating rifles, and machine guns. The old sail-powered wooden warships were replaced by ironclad warships powered by coal-burning engines. Wars of this era were larger conflicts fought on numerous fronts in many countries around the world. Detailed battle maps, primary sources, and biographies offer a more comprehensive view of warfare in the 19th century.