What Is Military History?

Military History What is Military History? Military history is the oldest discipline within the broader discipline of history as it had a special pragmatic value for previous societies. The study of military history could make or break a society since civilization so heavily dependent upon military power. Today it is still one of the most popular subjects in history but most of the interest comes from outside academia.

One of the most popular reasons to study military history from the public's perspective is simply that it is an interesting subject that garners a significant amount of attention. The level of attention from outside academia can also influence the work that is produced within academia because of this focus. The study of military history can come from many perspectives, both historical and contemporary.

For example, the public will often focus on the most interesting aspects of war while academics will attempt to study topics in the most unbiased manner as possible. Military leaders will often study history so that they can be empowered to perform their duties with the military more efficiently and effectively based on this knowledge. They may focus on tactics and strategies in battles. The public's influence and their interest in military history can also influence popular media.

The book also gives an example of an academic professor who left academia to become an author because he was influenced by the public. Therefore, it is important to consider the perspective of the interest in military history along with the actual content on the subject. Discussion One of the important facts that the author points out in the initial discussion about what military history is and is not is a black and white issue.

There is some level of subjectivity in all methodologies that study the subject although some methodologies are certainly better than others. So first and foremost, it is important to always keep the perspective and the methodology in mind when studying military history. These points are clearly made in the discussion about military histiography. To understand military history, it is necessary to understand how the practice began, was used, and preserved in the forms that are available for us today.

The ancient military history was oriented primarily on the "deeds of kings" which focused on societies leaders[footnoteRef:1]. These stories were often produced orally and retold throughout the population. It was often exaggerated information or perspectives however contained certain key lessons of historical or cultural importance. Sunzi's The Art of War is one of the best known military manuals from a more modern age and lays out strategic principles and tactics that still have relevance today[footnoteRef:2].

The next stage of military history works were primarily collected by European historians and a euro-centric bias can often be identified in these. [1: (Morillo and Pavkovic 36)] [2: Ibid. 55] The study of military history has also changed dramatically since the dawn of the industrial revolution and the way in which wars are fought. Although many of the strategic decisions from older errors are still relevant however many of the tactical considerations have evolved with modern equipment.

Yet studying this development and how it affected warfare is definitely within the realm of military history. For example, the development of the railroad allowed armies to be mobilized and transported at speeds never before seen which had dramatic implications for the ways that wars were fought. The uses of military history can be used for many different purposes. Some have used it to foster a sense of nationalistic pride in which citizens identify with their collective heritage and build a collective identity.

There are also those who wish to romanticize military history and emphasize the emotional aspects of it such as bravery or courage. However the more academic approaches will try to limit these aspects and focus on the unbiased facts. Yet even with the most objective methodologies, the limitations outlined in.