American Military Technology – The Life Story of a Technology - Softcover

Hacker, Barton C

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801887720 ISBN 13: 9780801887727

Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2007

Synopsis

The growth of American engineering and science has affected military technology, organization, and practice from the colonial era to the present day―even as military concerns have influenced, and often funded, domestic engineering programs and scientific development. American Military Technology traces the interplay of technology and science with the armed forces of the United States in terms of what Hacker and Vining view as epochs: 1840–1865, the introduction of modern small arms, steam power, and technology, science, and medicine; 1900–1914, the naval arms race, torpedoes and submarines, and the signal corps and the airplane; and 1965–1971, McNamara's Pentagon, technology in Vietnam, guided missiles, and smart bombs.

The book is an excellent springboard for understanding the complex relationship of science, technology, and war in American history.

About this title

Review:

"An attractive primer that should prove useful to readers looking for a straightforward and jargon-free introduction to the complex relationship existing between the American military and its tools (and toolmakers) of war."

(Journal of Military History)

"The broad coverage and integrative approach of this survey, combined with its attractive packaging and price, will make it a useful text for introductory courses in U.S. military history and the history of technology."

(Robert G. Angevine Journal of Military History)

"Definitely offers worthwhile reading for a broader perspective on military procurement, operations, and thinking."

(Col. Brett Morris Air Power History)

Synopsis:

The growth of engineering and science has affected military technology, organization, and practice from the colonial era to the present day. At the same time, military concerns have influenced, and often funded, American engineering and scientific development. "American Military Technology" chronicles the interactions of technology and science with the armed forces of the United States in terms of what Hacker and Vining view as epochs - including 1840-1865: the introduction of modern small arms, steam power, and technology, science, and medicine; 1900-1914: the naval arms race, torpedoes and submarines, and the signal corps and the airplane; and 1965-1971: McNamara's Pentagon, technology in Vietnam, smart bombs and guided missiles. The book is an excellent springboard for understanding the complex relationship of science, technology, and war in American history.

About this edition

• Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0801887720
• ISBN 13: 9780801887727
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 236