Military History Matters 154
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An unequal contest?
In the second part of our series, Graham Goodlad reviews the organisation, tactics, and weaponry of the two armies.
The Jacobite Wars
In the first part of our new series, Graham Goodlad explores the Jacobite movement’s early attempts to overthrow Britain’s ruling Protestant monarchy.
War Reporters: Julius Caesar
He was a charismatic leader, a seasoned military veteran, and a formidable politician. It is little wonder that he is rarely thought of as being an ancient example of the modern-day war reporter. Seema Syeda examines battlefield scoops throughout the ages.
Wellington’s lessons in failure
‘The art of victory is learned in failures.’ It might have been said by Wellington (though in fact it was said by South American revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar). Stephen Roberts explains why.
‘Banners, advance!’ The Battle of Poitiers, 1356
Marilyn Livingstone and Morgen Witzel reassess the famous victory of the Prince of Wales over the French during the Hundred Years War.
Cynoscephalae, 197 BC
Brian English analyses the battle that broke the military power of Ancient Greece.
Afghanistan: graveyard of armies
A huge, mountainous, landlocked Central Asian state, Afghanistan has defied invaders for 2,500 years. Jules Stewart takes a look at Afghanistan’s military longue durée.
Last stand: Thermopylae
Continuing his occasional series on legendary last stands, American military historian Fred Chiaventone recounts the Spartan defence of the Hot Gates in 480 BC.
War on Film – The Vietnam War
James H Willbanks gives an insider’s view on the making of The Vietnam War.
The end game: how did the Viet Cong win?
Neil Faulkner analyses the reasons for the eventual defeat of the United States in Indo-China.
The Vietnam War
Vietnam veteran James H Willbanks, who is a consultant to Ken Burns’ The Vietnam War, looks back on the conflict that tore the United States apart 50 years ago.
All you need to know about iklwas
Weapon specifications Most African tribes use a form of assegai, a light throwing-spear used in both hunting and war, typically around 6-feet long with a 6-inch steel head. Some of the most
Air war over Malta
In the first of an occasional series on conflict archaeology, Anthony Rogers reports on the evidence for the epic air battle above the island-fortress of Malta during the Second World War.
What is the significance of the Dambusters legend?
MHM Editor Neil Faulkner analyses the RAF’s controversial strategic bombing campaign.
The Persian Wars
In his second article, Paul Rahe analyses Sparta’s response to the mortal challenge posed by the Persian invasions of the early 5th century BC.
Timeline: the Spartans
Traditional foundation date for Olympic Games c.776 BC Homer’s epics The Iliad and The Odyssey composed c.750 BC Sparta conquers Messenia c.700 BC Messenian Revolt followed by Spartan Reconquest c.650 BC At
Guernica, 1937 Pablo Picasso
On the afternoon of 26 April 1937, the air force of Nazi Germany’s Condor Legion, working on behalf of the Spanish Nationalists led by General Franco, sent its bombers over the ancient
Vo Nguyen Giap
General Giap was one of the 20th century’s foremost military commanders. He made his name commanding the military wing of the Viet Minh during the Second World War, before becoming commander-in-chief of the People’s Army of Vietnam.
The 17th Lancers Regiment at Ulundi, 4 July 1879
MHM Editor Neil Faulkner recalls a classic charge of British cavalry on a late 19th-century battlefield.