The Kaiser's Army: The Politics Of Military Technology In Germany During The Machine Age, 1870-1918

Rating:
Summary: Heavy Military History
Review: A serious book of military history. This superbly researched book on the German military is not for the casual reader of military history. The Kaiser's Army is an in-depth discussion of German military reforms during the end of the 19th century. It describes Germany's attempts to move from a traditional to a modern army as technological advances race forward. The description of the various debates between reformers and traditionalists is excellent. The book is a great study in how a large organization, The Germany Army, struggles with change. The sections dealing with the birth of small unit tactics is worthy of merit. The only draw back is the last quarter of the book when the author falls into a history of World War I. The author covers too much general history of the War and not enough focus on what made the rest of the book so good, the role of technology and military reform. I recommend this book for any serious follower of European military history.

Rating:
Summary: Heavy Military History
Review: A serious book of military history. This superbly researched book on the German military is not for the casual reader of military history. The Kaiser's Army is an in-depth discussion of German military reforms during the end of the 19th century. It describes Germany's attempts to move from a traditional to a modern army as technological advances race forward. The description of the various debates between reformers and traditionalists is excellent. The book is a great study in how a large organization, The Germany Army, struggles with change. The sections dealing with the birth of small unit tactics is worthy of merit. The only draw back is the last quarter of the book when the author falls into a history of World War I. The author covers too much general history of the War and not enough focus on what made the rest of the book so good, the role of technology and military reform. I recommend this book for any serious follower of European military history.