War and Society in Europe 1870-1970: Volume 5

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.