War and Society in Europe 1870-1970 (War and European Society) (Paperback)

by Brian Bond (Author) "The wars of the 1860s shattered the hopes of those optimists who believed that Europe was entering an era of enduring peace founded upon expanding..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, First World War, Soviet Union (more...)

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Product Description
This survey by a leading military historian shows how war has exerted an enormous influence on European society since 1870, and how in turn civilian society has played a major role in transforming the nature of armed conflict.

Product Details

• Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press (February 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773517634
• ISBN-13: 978-0773517639
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #432,248 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Ovverview of the Subject, June 21, 2001

By	Donal A. O'Neill (The Netherlands) - See all my reviews

This review is from: War and Society in Europe, 1870-1970 (Paperback)

In this survey of the interaction between military, political and social forces in the hundred years that started with the rise of Bismarkian Prussia, a good overview is provided of the major trends and developments, these being well-anchored in the main historical events. A strength of the book is that it preserves the correct balance between detail and overview - enough detail to maintain interest and colour, enough overview to ensure that developments are always seen in the wider historical, cultural and political context. A criticism of the book is however that by an excessive focus on the European scene it underplays the extent to which developments elsewhere - most notably the American Civil War and the Russo-Japanese War - could have profoundly influenced the course of European Military and Political thinking, had they been better analysed, with incalculable consequences for the conduct of World War One. One also notes how the indications as to the global potential of the United States which arose from the Spanish-American War seem to as much ignored today as they were at the time. These minor criticisms aside, the book would provide an excellent introduction to anyone undertaking a study of Modern European history and seeking pointers for further areas to explore as regards the impact of military developments.