For the Common Defense Book Review

FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE BOOK REVIEW

HISTORY 3121

PROFESSOR MICHAEL A. PALMER

Bibliographical Information:

Millett, Allan R., and Peter Maslowski. For the Common Defense: a Military History of the United States of America. London, England: New York: Free Press, 1974.

The Report:

Ñ Millett’s book goes in-depth about the history of the United States through its actions of war. This book begins prior to the creation of the United States,

Ñ Millett starts at the beginning, of American history claiming that all the colonists held their militia as their closest tie to England. He then leads into the beginning of the failure of a standing militia and how settlers came to the realization that action within the militias should be required of all men. As the Navy grew to be more important, it provided for the military to find new ways to success. Millett also stresses the way that soldiers were encouraged to study other battles over history so that they may be able to learn from others’ mistakes and victories. As time progressed, the Army began being used for tasks seemingly out of their area of expertise. Towards the end of the 1800’s, the military’s focus turned towards protecting the nation. During World War I, the military continued to improve in weapons as it was still lacking in communication.

Ñ With each argument, Millett provides extensive explanation to support and defend it. Merely claiming that the settlers had ties to the militia was not enough. Instead, Millett provides names of Lords who trained the settlers, examples of fortification and the exceptionally short time it took to construct it, and the quick shift as to who held the power to control the military. The United States armed forces continued to evolve. The revolution also provided