Routledge Studies in First World War HistorySeries
This series delves into the complexities of the First World War, an event that profoundly shaped the modern era. It meticulously examines the conflict's military, political, social, and cultural dimensions, reflecting cutting-edge international scholarship. Through in-depth monographs, it covers a vast array of topics, from battlefield strategies to societal transformations. The collection appeals to postgraduate students, academics, and general readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal historical period.
The First World War in the Middle East swept away five hundred years of Ottoman domination. In The Great War and the Middle East, Robert Johnson, military historian and former soldier, examines in detail the strategic and operational course of the war in the Middle East. Johnson argues that, far from being a sideshow to the war in Europe, the Middle Eastern conflict was in fact the center of gravity in a war for imperial domination and prestige.
Focusing on British military doctrine during the First World War and the Boer War, this book explores a critical debate regarding the role and tactics of cavalry amid evolving warfare demands. It challenges contemporary perceptions by demonstrating that the developed doctrine effectively addressed the challenges posed by increased firepower and mass armies. Through this investigation, the book fills a significant gap in the historiography of military thought and practice during this pivotal period.
After the World War ended, the families of the American war dead were faced with a difficult choice. Political leaders like former President Theodore Roosevelt were encouraging families to leave the dead with their comrades in European cemeteries to create stronger political ties between the United States and Europe. Grieving families found that their decision on where to bury the dead had become a political choice. How did families advocate for their own views? How were disputes within families resolved? And how did families make their final decisions about where the dead should be buried? Through an in-depth examination of the correspondence between the United States government and the families of the dead, this book will examine how families fought to ensure that the government gave them what they needed. As the months stretched into years before the war dead were given final burials, the families of the dead demanded that the government give them the respect and honor they felt they deserved as the next of kin of those who had given their lives for the nation. The practices and traditions that the government developed in response to these demands set patterns that still guide the way that the military treats the families of the war dead today.
Focusing on the integration of air power in warfare, this study highlights the British army's effective strategies developed by mid-1918 on the Western Front. It emphasizes the collaboration between infantry, artillery, and armored vehicles, while challenging the tendency to view aviation in isolation. By exploring five key themes, the book provides a nuanced understanding of air power's role in World War I, moving beyond the traditional focus on individual pilots and aircraft to reveal its complex historical significance.
The book delves into the often-overlooked role of the British army staff during World War I, highlighting their contributions through personal letters and diaries. It explores the evolution of military planning and the impact of casualties on the army's reputation. By examining the characteristics and careers of these officers, the study reveals how they navigated the challenges of change within the military leadership, offering a fresh perspective on their critical functions and experiences during the war.
The fiftteen chapters in this volume cover a broad range of perspectives on the First World War in the Middle East. All of the chapter authors look at their specific topics through a global lens.
Focusing on the Battle of Fromelles, this book explores the first use of Australian forces in the Western Front offensives and critiques the British command structure. It traces the battle plan from the supreme commander's strategies to the orders given to infantry, offering a detailed analysis of the operational and tactical decisions made. This examination provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of British leadership, fostering a more nuanced understanding of its effectiveness during this pivotal moment in history.
