This lucid account of military developments around the modern world begins with the American War of Independence and the French revolutionary wars and continues chronologically to the latest 21st century conflicts. It combines determinedly global coverage with thought-provoking analysis not only of the military aspects of conflict but also its social, cultural, political and economic dimensions and consequences.

By placing familiar events alongside the largely unknown, the reader is forced to reassess the standard grand narrative of military history that rests on assumptions of Western cultural and technological superiority. It will be essential reading for students worldwide, whether studying modern military history, modern world history, history and international relations or war and society.

This fully updated second edition includes:

chapter introductions and conclusions to assist study and revision

'Voices of War' sourced extracts from the field of conflict

case studies in each chapter to support the narrative and provoke discussion

a 12-page colour map section and over 20 other integrated maps

annotated references from the latest publications in the field

Reviews

'Jeremy Black provides a truly global perspective on modern military history. This is the textbook we have been waiting for, generous in its perspectives, precise in detail and fascinating in its explanation.' - John France, United States Military Academy West Point, USA

Contents

Introduction 1. The World of War in the Late Eighteenth Century 2. Empires Rise and Fall 1800-30 3. Moulding States 1830-80 4. Building Empires 1830-1913 5. World War One 6. Between Two World Wars 7. World War Two 8. Wars of Decolonization 1945-75 9. The Cold War 10. Wars between Non-Western Powers 1945-90 11. War in the 1990s 12. War in the 2000s 13. Conclusions

Author Bio

Jeremy Black is Professor of History at the University of Exeter, UK. He is a leading milstorian whose books include Rethinking Military History, World war Two: A Military History, and Why Wars Happen. He is editor of the Routledge Warfare and History series and has lectured extensively in North America, Europe and Australasia.