The late Professor T. Harry Williams has provided a comprehensive history of American wars from the French and Indian War through World War I. His original intention to carry the history of American conflicts through the Vietnam War was halted by his death in 1979. Each war is given summary exposition along with interludes that cover military actions between wars. What is particularly informative of Williams's work here is the coverage of the political leadership, policies, strategies, military organization and financing that occurred prior to and during the conflicts. His discusses the development of weaponry and tactics that evolved over time. He gives concise but complete recapitulations of the campaigns conducted in each conflict.

For anyone looking for a overview of this long span of American military history this book is highly recommended. I purchased this at a used book store; it's likely to be no longer in print. ( )

A very dry read about the history of American Wars and the military. Reads like a textbook. ( )