Throughout the 16th Century, the Spanish had an aura of invincibility.They controlled a vast colonial empire that stretched across the Americas and the Pacific, and held considerable territories in Europe, centring on the so-called 'Spanish Road'. The Dutch War of Independence (also known as the 80 Years' War) was a major challenge to their dominance. The Dutch army created by Maurice of Nassau used innovative new tactics and training to take the fight to Spain and...

A highly illustrated study of the battle of Nieuwpoort in 1600, one of the key engagements of the Eighty Years War.The Eighty Years' War began as a limited Dutch rebellion seeking only religious tolerance from their Spanish overlords, but it quickly escalated into one of the longest wars in European history. Spain's failed invasion of 1599 and the mutinies that followed convinced Dutch leaders that they now should go on the offensive. This campaign pitted two famou...

A highly illustrated study of the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain, ideal for enthusiasts of 16th and 17th century warfare and the development of military strategy.The 80 Years' War (also known as the Dutch War of Independence) was the foundation of Dutch nationhood, and during the course of the conflict one of its main leaders – Maurice of Orange-Nassau – created an army and a tactical system that became a model throughout Europe.This study, the ...

The tiny new state of the United Provinces of the Netherlands won its independence from the mighty Spanish empire by fighting and winning the Eighty Years' War, from 1568 and 1648.In this long conflict, warfare on water played a much bigger role in determining the ultimate victor. On the high seas the fleet carved out a new empire, growing national income to such levels that it could continue the costly war for independence. Yet it was in coastal and inland waters ...

The British Army that faced Napoleon in the Peninsula was small by continental standards, but it consistently out-fought larger French armies, never losing a major open-field action.Its cavalry and artillery were standard; but its infantry achieved unique results, as their tactics were brought to a peak of professional perfection by Wellington. Using contemporary instruction manuals, first-hand accounts and in-depth analysis of individual actions, this book examine...

Throughout World War One, journalists risked their lives to bring news from the frontlines. Although America did not enter the war until April 1917, their newspapers had been full of news about the war since the summer of 1914. This is the story of the war using articles and interviews that were featured in regional newspapers from throughout the United States.In chronological order, the book contains, for example, interviews with soldiers in the trenches, survivors of ships sunk b...

During this period, the British army earned itself a formidable reputation as a fighting force. However, due to its role as a police force at home, and demonisation by American propaganda, the army was viewed as little removed from a penal institution run by aristocratic dilettantes. This view, still held by many today, is challenged by Stuart Reid, who paints a picture of an increasingly professional force. This was an important time of change and improvement for the British Army, and Bri...

During the Napoleonic Wars the supreme battlefield shock weapon was the heavy cavalry – the French cuirassiers, and their British, Austrian, Prussian and Russian counterparts. Big men mounted on big horses, the heavy cavalry were armed with swords nearly a metre long, used for slashing or thrusting at their opponents; many wore steel armour, a practice revived by Napoleon. They were tasked with smashing a hole in the enemy's line of battle, with exploiting a weakness, or with turning a fla...

Contrary to popular belief, the capture of India was not accomplished by the British Army, but by the private armies of the East India Company, which grew in size to become larger than that of any European sovereign state.This is the history of its army, examining the many conflicts they fought, their equipment and training, with its regiments of horse, foot and guns, which rivalled those of most European powers. The development of their uniforms, which combined tr...

The Guards fought in every major British campaign on the continent during the Napoleonic Wars.They carved their place in history under commanders such as Sir John Moore and Wellington from Corunna and Talavera during the Peninsula War to their legendary defence of the Chateau of Hougoumont throughout the battle of Waterloo.Ian Fletcher examines the uniforms and insignia of the Guards as worn both on campaign and on ceremonial duties in this worthy addition ...

Throughout the Napoleonic era Britain and Hanover had the same head of state, George III.Symbolic of their close relationship, the Hanoverian Army wore uniforms and used equipment largely similar to those used by the British Army.Complemented by numerous illustrations and photographs, plus eight full page colour plates, this text explores the uniforms and organization of the army of the Electorate of Hanover and the King's German Legion.

In 1795 the Russian army was as vast as the territory from which it was drawn.The College of War calculated that the regular army amounted to 541,741 men, plus 46,601 enrolled cossacks, and at least a further 100,000 irregular cavalry which could be mobilised in time of war. Inspired by the icons paraded by their priests before battle, the Russian infantry were capable of astonishing feats and total, blind obedience to orders.Philip Haythornwaite examines t...