The Rocky Road to the Great War

The Evolution of Trench Warfare to 1914

Nonfiction, History, Military, Strategy
Cover of the book The Rocky Road to the Great War by Nicholas Murray, Potomac Books Inc.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Nicholas Murray ISBN: 9781612341057
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc. Publication: August 31, 2013
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Nicholas Murray
ISBN: 9781612341057
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc.
Publication: August 31, 2013
Imprint:
Language: English

Nicholas Murray's The Rocky Road to the Great War examines the evolution of field fortification theory and practice between 1877 and 1914. During this period field fortifications became increasingly important, and their construction evolved from primarily above to below ground. The reasons for these changes are crucial to explaining the landscape of World War I, yet they have remained largely unstudied.

The transformation in field fortifications reflected not only the ongoing technological advances but also the changing priorities in the reasons for constructing them, such as preventing desertion, protecting troops, multiplying forces, reinforcing tactical points, providing a secure base, and dominating an area. Field fortification theory, however, did not evolve solely in response to improving firepower or technology. Rather, a combination of those factors and societal ones-for example, the rise of large conscript armies and the increasing participation of citizens rather than subjects-led directly to technical alterations in the actual construction of the fieldworks. These technical developments arose from the second wave of the Industrial Revolution in the late nineteenth century that provided new technologies that increased the firepower of artillery, which in turn drove the transition from above- to belowground field fortification.

Based largely on primary sourcesùincluding French, British, Austrian, and American military attache reports-Murray's enlightening study is unique in defining, fully examining, and contextualizing the theories and construction of field fortifications before World War I.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Nicholas Murray's The Rocky Road to the Great War examines the evolution of field fortification theory and practice between 1877 and 1914. During this period field fortifications became increasingly important, and their construction evolved from primarily above to below ground. The reasons for these changes are crucial to explaining the landscape of World War I, yet they have remained largely unstudied.

The transformation in field fortifications reflected not only the ongoing technological advances but also the changing priorities in the reasons for constructing them, such as preventing desertion, protecting troops, multiplying forces, reinforcing tactical points, providing a secure base, and dominating an area. Field fortification theory, however, did not evolve solely in response to improving firepower or technology. Rather, a combination of those factors and societal ones-for example, the rise of large conscript armies and the increasing participation of citizens rather than subjects-led directly to technical alterations in the actual construction of the fieldworks. These technical developments arose from the second wave of the Industrial Revolution in the late nineteenth century that provided new technologies that increased the firepower of artillery, which in turn drove the transition from above- to belowground field fortification.

Based largely on primary sourcesùincluding French, British, Austrian, and American military attache reports-Murray's enlightening study is unique in defining, fully examining, and contextualizing the theories and construction of field fortifications before World War I.

More books from Potomac Books Inc.

Cover of the book "Wildcats" Over Casablanca by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book From A to B by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Crisis and Crossfire by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Seeing the Elephant by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Broadcasts from the Blitz by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book War and Diplomacy by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Cyberpower and National Security by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Flying Through Time by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Before Amelia by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Crucible of Fire: Nineteenth-Century Urban Fires and the Making of the Modern Fire Service by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Between Flesh and Steel by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Capacity Building for Peacekeeping by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Enter the Past Tense by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Tirpitz by Nicholas Murray
Cover of the book Tortured Logic: A Verbatim Critique of the George W. Bush Presidency by Nicholas Murray
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy