When a person hears the phrase “American military history” the idea that the topic only discusses major wars and battles typically comes to mind. However, that is not what American military history is. American military history is the history of the United States of America from since before its birth to now, how the military functions, why things are the way they are, and the possibilities of where both the United States of America and the United States Armed Forces are heading. American military history should be taught at all levels of education due to the massive number of reasons why it is important. However, the modes of how information is transmitted in regards to American military history and the kind of impact it can have on the level …show more content…
The depth of which information is covered should vary as is appropriate; however, brushing it off as nothing more than names, places, and dates should not occur. There are a multitude of reasons as to why American military history should be taught. First, studying history has the potential to introduce students to the idea the past was not certain at the time in the same way the present and future are not certain now (Black 12). While history seems like it flows in a very 2-dimension format where the outcome is fixed, it most certainly does and is not. In the same way people cannot tell you what the stock market is going to do in five minutes, people could not with confidence tell you which side was going to win and why. Also, by learning about the past, specifically the United States of America, it better prepares students, and people in general, for the future (Black 12). This is due in part to the fact there are patterns throughout history which when realized can either be prevented or further lived. Also, by learning the patterns of history they are allowing themselves to become less likely to "repeat history" unless they tend …show more content…
By teaching American military history people are able to gain a better understanding of American history and how it has been formed and developed based on the topics of war and peace. This is due, in part, by the fact that American history and American military history are quite closely intertwined. At times, the two histories can be so closely intertwined, as a matter of fact, that it is hard to discern which history is which. Also, by teaching American military history civilian control over the military is better able to be preserved (Herbert 16). Interestingly, if the military wanted to overthrow the government it would be more than capable of doing so. However, due to be it faith, perseverance, or even just plain old following orders there have been very few occurrences of people within the military forces displaying disobedient and mutinous behavior. Intriguingly, Dwight D. Eisenhower was actually one of the few people to threaten and actually display such behavior. In the long run, by educating each upcoming generation on American military history and the roles civilians play in regards to the military and its actions, the lower the likelihood of the people of the United States of America having to outsource the defense capabilities of their nation. Many of
Brown, Jerold E. Historical Dictionary Of The U.S. Army. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2001. eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 29 Jan. 2014.
Soldiers today still fight for their country. Recruits joined the United States Army to fight
...ositive as well as its negative accomplishments. But how is this to be done, how do we deal with history personally and politically? Ths author Tim O'Brian gives us one answer in "How to Tell a True War Story" on page 69: "You can tell a true war story if it embarrasses you. It you don't care for obscenity, you don't care for the truth; if you don't care for the truth, watch how you vote. Send guys to war, they come home talking dirty". In other words if you don't want war watch how you vote. The connotation of this statement is far reaching, it naturally places responsibility on the American government for having participated in the war, but it foremost appeals to the american public to take responsibility and to use this history, this story to create a better future.
Since the beginning of history there has always been conflict and disagreement, which led to battle and confrontation. Ever since these hostilities have emerged, the problems that spark the conflicts and the battle itself have been illustrated in textbooks and plastered all over the internet, yet no one really takes the time to think of the many soldiers and people who risk their lives for our safety and freedom. To gain a tighter grasp on history and what these veterans have done for us, we interviewed army veteran, Christian Werthmuller, who participated in Black Operations, Operation Desert Storm, and the Iraq War.
The war that shaped America, a war that pitted family members against each other and divided a country in two. This war did not solely cause a dissent among families but also between successful industries, and as the war progressed more and more businesses started to increase in value due to the high demand of their products. This caused a time of economic success throughout the country that has had a thorough effect.
The following was a submitted report for a U.S. History research paper assignment We fight our country's battles in the air, on land and sea. First to fight for right and freedom, and to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title of United States Marine. Our flag's unfurled to every breeze from dawn to setting sun. We have fought in every clime and place, where we could take a gun. In the snow of far off northern lands and in sunny tropic scenes, You will find us always on the job, The United States Marines. Here's health to you and to our Corps which we are proud to serve. In many a strife we've fought for life and never lost our nerve. If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines." The Marine hymn is eternally etched in the mind's and soul of every recruit and officer who have served in the United States Marine Corps. Every Marine has gone through boot camp, each sacrificing blood, sweat, and tears. One thing that has never deteriorated in their years of existence is the fact that they have yet to lose a war they have put effort in. Is this exceptional record due to their extensive training? Is it because of their aggressive nature and mindset? What is to follow may shed some light on these questions and perhaps give some type of insight on how the Marine Corps was so prevailing and what conflicts had they had conquered. 1775, November 10th. This date is memorized and celebrated by every United States Marine as something of excellence, a date of honor. This date is non other than the "birthdate" of the Marine Corps. It was on this date that the Continental Congress passed a resolution to create two operational battalions of American Marines. These men would ultimately be headed by Captain Samuel Nicholas, of the United States Naval department. It was in Philadelphia that the first Marines were grouped and trained for their inaugural mission. The three hundred Marines that had been recruited, were placed aboard eight transport ships, all destined for the beaches of New Providence (the Bahamas). Upon their landing on March 3rd, 1776, they fought up the beach, sweeping through a barrage of bullets, and took command of two small stone forts and a number of military storage complexes.
American History not as a mere nuisance, or an inferior being portrayed by racism but as an Honorable soldier whom endeavors to protect a country he loves despite discrimination received at home or abroad.
Many soldiers can testify to the fact that it is not just training, situations, or regulations that sets us apart from the average person.
- - -, ed. "The Anti-War Movement in the United States." English.Illnois.edu. Ed. Oxford Companion to American Military History. 1st ed. Vers. 1. Rev. 1. Oxford Companion to American Military History, 1999. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. .
“Where Soldiers Come from” a film that follows a group of soldiers as they leave for Afghanistan and then return home and details the trails that they faced. This essay will focus on how the military changes Americas for the better. It helps to make a difference in several ways. First the military is helping those in lower economic standings to find long term stable work. Second providing people the means to help change their social economic standings and even providing jobs where there where none before. Finally also provides training relative to school and also financial help to attend school. The military is helping to change Americans for the better improving their lives.
"The soldier is the Army. No army is better than its soldiers. The Soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country” (-General George S. Patton Jr). Here within our borders we are the lucky ones, we have been blessed with the pleasure of so many brave men and women; to volunteer in the world's greatest military; and put their lives on the line for something that they believe is a moral obligation. But, think of some other countries, that have conscription (the practice of ordering people by law to serve in the armed forces) laws. We as a nation have some laws on conscription, and if you are male and above the age of 18 you have already signed the slip of paper stating that in the time of war; if our great nation re-instated the draft then there is a great chance you will be serving on the frontline of the next Great War. This brings me to my first topic of this page, is it ethical to have a draft? My second topic that I will discuss will be on if it is morally acceptable to "draft dodge". What I mean on the second topic is if you have a right; that morally allows you to not go fight in the war.
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Whether they are mistakes, achievements, or anything in between, events from the past teach individuals and groups of people invaluable lessons. The problem is that people cannot experience themselves all these events; neither can they learn about them all. So they rely on analysis, conceptualizations, etcetera, which beyond historical collection of facts, constitute what are called theories. The wisdom that George Santayana captured in his famous quote, and that he stated with respect to human learning process, makes perfect sense in military matters.
Clausewitz defines war as an “act of force to compel our enemy to do our will.” The nature of war is enduring yet the character of war changes over time. Current US strategic guidance is advancing the point of view that since the character of war has changed to focus on irregular wars then the US military should prepare for a future of irregular wars. This shift in focus forgets that the nature of war is enduring and in order to be successful, we must prepare for all types of conflict. This paper will define the types of conflict and the likelihood of each followed by a discussion of US strategic guidance and ending with an analysis of the training resources and force structure requirements needed to achieve success for all types of conflict.
"The core of a soldier is moral discipline. It is intertwined with the discipline of physical and mental achievement. Total discipline overcomes adversity, and physical stamina draws on an inner strength that says drive on." - Former Sergeant Major of the Army William G. Bainbridge
Learning about history helps us learn about the humanities own reflection and what’s good or bad about it. This is just like a diary , people and by people I mean historians , just wrote what they saw and what seemed to cause a major change in society and we just happen to be reading it a couple of years later. I believe that historians actually wrote historical truth because it makes sense and it has been scientifically proven