Abstract This paper explains that the heavy influence of artillery in determining the outcome of Civil War battles continued the trend that began in the Napoleonic Wars. The author points out that the relative importance of cavalry and infantry declined when it was seen that they simply could not prevail on an open battlefield against well-directed and sustained artillery fire.
Abstract An examination of the development of the British Army over a specific 100 year period. The paper shows how it developed differently from other European powers and examines how this would affect the creation of the British Empire. The purpose of this paper is to examine the British Army's development between 1700 and 1815 and illustrate this evolution into an Infantry dominated army. The main concerns of this paper are the development and changing roles of the Infantry and Cavalry wings of the army, and only passing references are made to the Artillery, Engineers and Logistical branches. Battles, campaigns, and technical advances in weaponry are also reviewed as they apply to the central thesis.
From the Paper "One of the greatest military forces in the history of warfare was, and to and extent still remains, the British Army. The evidence to support this is the British Empire, in large part secured and defended against all by this military force. The Army that managed to assist in this matter of imperial policy was a very specialized army well suited for its role. It was an army that had its unique origins in the infancy of the development of the British Army. Prior to the period to be discussed in this paper, the years 1700-1815, the British Army was developing along the same lines and patterns, as it's continental counterparts. It was during this period, when the regular standing army as an institution was less than fifty years old that a slow evolution occurred. "
Abstract This paper examines the development of the tank. The paper discusses the apparent short-sightedness of the United States military in terms of producing enough tanks to meet the challenges made by the Germans. The paper contends the development of the tank as field artillery had a profound impact on the conduct of war between 1776 and 1918.
From the Paper "Six years after that crude Hotchkiss-build steam engine ?tank,? the British, not the Americans, recognized the need for, design, and built the first motorized armoured fighting vehicle, according to TheFreedictionary.com (TFD). In February 1915 the British set up the Landship Committee to look into designing a ?massive troop transporter,? and they established as requirements an armoured vehicle that would travel 4 MPH, climb a 5-foot high parapet, cross an 8-foot wide trench, and be armed with machine guns and cannons."
Abstract The Civil War was a time of great technological advancement in America; weapons, ships and artillery were vastly improved during the period. The paper examines the history, function and development of various guns, rifles, battleships and modes of transport and shows how they were used during the American Civil War.
From the Paper "Invented by Dr. Richard Gattling, the Gattling gun was similar to the Williams, except it had six barrels, giving it the capability of wiping out an entire field of enemies with one sweep. The Gattling gun did not, however, overheat like the Williams did. Dr. Gattling was from North Carolina, so the Union War Department was hesitant to use the weapon, and did not field-test it until Petersburg, too late to have much of an effect on the war. The modern machine gun is modeled after the Gattling gun, and a modified form of the original is still in use today."
Abstract This paper discusses the Great War brought on and the new weapons and instruments of destruction that prevailed. It also states the reasons why there were so many stalemates on the battlefield which led to a war of attrition and mass casualties. It also looks at the targeting of a whole nation's means and resources towards fighting a total war. This paper concludes that the war was so destructive because of the advancement in industry and weaponry, such as artillery, machine guns and chemical warfare.
From the Paper "In this paper I plan to put forward the following points to show how the Great War was so destructive. I will look at the new weapons and instruments of destruction that prevailed during the war. The reasons why there were so many stalemates? on the battlefield, which led to a war of attrition and mass casualties. I will also look at the targeting of a whole nations means and resources towards fighting a total war."
Tags: World, War, I, Great, nations, destruction, 1915, weapons, casualties
Abstract This paper is an examination of the third battle of the Aisne. It details this excellent demonstration of the strengths of the German army during World War I as well as demonstrates why these particular strengths were not sufficient to win the war. It describes this German offensive that began on May 27, 1918. The author believes that the German success in this battle came about as the result of the finely honed German infantry tactics combined with a furiously concentrated artillery bombardment, operating under a sky dominated by the 'Jagdgeschwader' of the VII German army. But he feels that in the end, this battle did not help the Germans win the war in any way, in fact, it actually backfired at them.
From the Paper "The Third Battle of the Aisne is most certainly not one of the best known battles of World War I. Perhaps this is merely because of that oldest of all war adages, which is that the victors get to write the histories, and that in the aftermath of the war late German victories were brushed aside. Perhaps it is not that often cited simply because, while every battle in a war is important, this one was not a turning point. And yet the battle does deserve to be examined as an excellent demonstration of the strengths of the German army during the Great War ? as well as a demonstration of why, in the end, these particular strengths would not be sufficient to win the war."
Tags: Great, War, World, I, Aisne, River, Battle, Germans, French, Belgian, Canadian, American, Allies
Abstract Fundamental changes over the course of the long 16th century acknowledged such as: 1) Firearms. 2) Artillery. 3) New Fortifications. 4) Larger armies and new tactics. 5) Naval warfare. Also, the continuities which the Middle Ages brought out, and the concept of an Early Modern 'Military Revolution' discussed.
From the Paper "Central to reaching a conclusion on the issue of the nature of military change within 16th century Europe is an understanding of when generally fast-paced developmental alterations can accurately be called "fundamental", or in other words, profoundly serious. There can be no doubting the changes: the rise of firearms as the main armament of the foot-soldier, the brief reign of the Pikeman as the king of the battlefield before his relegation to the annals of history, the increasing use of artillery and consequent developments made in the types of fortifications seen in Europe as the "Trace Italienne" ( literally meaning "the fashion of Italy") spread, the continued decrease in the importance of the heavily armoured cavalryman, the larger number of men under arms and the new strategic methods introduced, and the crucially important changes seen in the waging of war at sea. "
Abstract This paper explains the cultural history, the development of brass instruments, the bands, the instrumentation of many bands and the composers for brass band music. This paper discusses that the development of brass instruments has been an ongoing process of interaction between cultures and the technological advancements of the instrumentation. The author feels that the various styles of brass music - blues, ragtime, minstrel tunes, the early Broadway melodies and the music of the brass bands - continue to gain in popularity.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Sound of Brass Music
The Early Influences
The "Dark Ages" and Horn Band Music
Enter Brass
Russian Horn Bands
The Precursors of Valved Instruments
Brass Comes Back
The Development of Valve Instruments
Military Brass Bands
Prussia
Calvary Jager
Cavalry Artillery Jaqer
Austrian Band Music
Brass Band Music in France
Brass Bands in England
Salvation Army
United States
From the Paper "One of the unique aspects of a brass organization is that most of the instruments operate in exactly the same way and so there is scope for moving around from one instrument to another as a person's physique changes or as a way of achieving variety in one's musical satisfaction. There are three main types of instruments involved -- keyed, valved instruments (trumpets, cornets etc.), slide instruments, and percussion."
Abstract This essay provides an extensive analysis of contemporary conflicts. It examines the nature of guerrilla warfare and how it can negate the technological superiority of larger states. It studies the tactical lessons drawn from individual conflicts and the changing roles of the army, navy and air force, as well as the importance of effective combined arms. It also studies modern warfare from a political viewpoint, the role of the media and the ability of the United Nations to secure a stable international environment.
From the Paper "The conflicts of the past twenty-five years have been notable for their range and variety. Few corners of the globe have been left untouched; the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington have even brought conflict to America's doorstep, and only the continent of Australasia has remained relatively unscathed. Furthermore, the types of conflict have been as varied as they have been widespread, including wars of nationalism, revenge, territorial acquisition, ideology and humanitarian intervention. These wars have manifested themselves in a variety of different ways, from old-style trench warfare seemingly copied straight out of the First World War, to high-precision bombing campaigns, where the attackers are almost completely removed from the battlefield, and experience few, if any, casualties. Therefore, it is difficult to generalise about the lessons derived from these wars. This period has been dominated by the decline and fall of the Soviet Union, and few conflicts have occurred, even a decade later, which have not been affected by the legacy of the Cold War. Formerly suppressed nationalism has been released, reviving age-old tensions in the former Yugoslavia, and sparking many civil wars across Africa, whilst the Soviet Union's demise has caused the United States and her allies to look elsewhere for enemies to fill the Soviet gap, particularly the Middle-East, and potentially China. Meanwhile, many believe that the United States is going through a 'revolution in military affairs', heralded by her victories over Iraq and the Taliban Alliance. However, neither victory proved her ability to defeat a popular, irregular army: Iraq deployed a conventional force, whilst the Taliban had little local support, and had to fight against the Northern Alliance as well. Thus, the Soviet experience in Afghanistan, and the Russian experience in Chechnya, still provide important lessons for the future."
Tags: afghanistan, artillery, chechnya, iraq, kosovo
Abstract WWI was the first time in history that war involved the use of new technology such as airplanes, tanks and submarines. However, for many WWI soldiers, trench warfare presents the most lasting image of World War I - causing many horrific deaths, as well as serious psychological and health problems. This paper presents an overview of trench warfare during World War I, including how it was implemented and its effect on both soldiers and enemies.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
About Trench Warfare
Trench Warfare in WWI
The Implications of Trench Warfare
Methods of Trench Warfare
The Effects of Trench Warfare
Conclusion
From the Paper "The average trench system in World War I consisted of two or more trench lines that ran parallel to one another and were at least one mile in depth. The trenches were developed in a zigzag method, so that enemy troops standing at one end of the trench would be unable to shoot more than a few yards down. These main trench lines were all linked to each other and to the rear through a series of communications trenches, which were dug perpendicular to the main trenches. These communication trenches allowed the delivery of ?food, mail, ammunition, more troops, and new orders.? "
Abstract This paper examines the art of war in the early modern period. It presents five brief essays on important issues and individuals: the development of guns, the development of artillery, changes in fortification, Joan of Arc the only female military leader of the era, and Machiavelli the principle theorist of diplomacy and warfare in the period.
Abstract This piece is a survey of Napoleon's Bonaparte's career. The piece first describes Napoleon's rise and early successes as the leader of several artillery regiments, followed by an impressive squelching of an insurgency which threatened the French Directory. Following several successful opportunistic military campaigns, the narrative then discusses Napoleon's ability to isolate and conquer France's enemies by building strategic alliances taking advantage of opportunity. Napoleon's growing ambition to control Europe when he became Emperor, his inability to enforce his own economic policies and his growing arrogance are described as causing the eventual downfall of this brilliant but flawed military strategist.
Abstract This piece is asurvey of Napoleon's military career, written in non-technical terms for an undergraduate audience. The piece first describes Napoleon's early successes as the leader of several artillery regiments, followed by an impressive squelching of an insurgency which threatened the French Directory. The narrative then discusses Napoleon's ability to, with a small, efficient, and tightly controlled army, isolate and conquer France's enemies by building strategic alliances and removing dissent. Napoleon's growing ambition to control Europe when he became Emperor, his inability to enforce his own economic policies, his failure to control large armies, and his growing arrogance are described as causing the eventual downfall of this brilliant but flawed military strategist.
Abstract This paper discusses how much of the Western military legacy came from the Greeks, especially Alexander the Great, and looks at how, through his military genius and force, Alexander eliminated all dynastic rivals and promising monarchs in his first two years. In the next eight years, he annihilated the Persian Empire and expanded the Greek region 3,000 miles to the East. It analyzes his army, tactics, and use of weapons, such as the use of catapults, which made as much of an impact as assault artillery in the late 20th century.
From the Paper "The 20-year-old Alexander set the stage for victory with the destruction of Thebes. At Grancius, his first major attack following his father's Persian invasion, he developed a model of military strategy for his subsequent wins at Issus, Gaugamela, and Hydaspes. This approach consisted of adjusting to a difficult battle topography, personally leading his men into an attack with no concern for his own safety, and focusing on a vulnerable spot in the enemy's flank, attacking the startled foe with the advancing phalanx and destroying the field troops with the goal of complete eradication. Like his father Philip, before him, Alexander stressed that war did not bring negotiations. Rather, it meant the total destruction of the enemy and its culture (Durant, 541)."
Abstract This paper examines how the Civil War in the United States coincided with the Europe's Industrial Revolution and how, because of the many advances made possible by the use of the machine, the war marked a turning point in armed conflict. It looks at how steam technology improved sea and land transportation, enabling the movement of vast quantities of people and goods, including weapons and supplies, and how several areas of warfare were enhanced and improved as a result.
Outline
Artillery Transport
Communication
Industry
From the Paper "In terms of the Civil War, Tennessee was strategically located between the warring parties; North and South. The major rivers giving access to the interior of the state then played an important role in terms of weapon and soldier transportation. Parallel to the development of the steam boat, was the steam train. This mode of transport made it possible to carry even heavier and more artillery as well as people and supplies over great distances. Tennessee's railroad network was developed during the 1850?s. In terms of railroad networks also, the North was technologically better equipped than the South. Most Southern railway lines were small affairs, and fairly primitive with less equipment and lighter rail. Partly responsible for this, as for the artillery situation, was the South's political philosophy of discomfort with organized government involvement."
