This week closes with a greater interest in Edward Hagerman's The American Civil War and the Origins of Modern Warfare: Ideas, Organization, and Field Command. I am not wholly convinced that it was the "origins of modern warfare," but his work wonderfully explains Dennis Hart Mahan's and Antoine-Henri Jomini's varying theories. Both were respected 19th-century military theorists. Dennis Hart Mahan, an American military theorist, emphasized the importance of maneuvering at war's operational and tactical levels. Jomini did not condemn turning movements, but he believed an army could successfully attack the center of the enemy's line. Napoleon managed to do so time and again. However, such actions became more difficult as the 19th century progressed with the continued use of entrenchments and more significant battlefields. Tactics began being put on the back-burner to operational movement. These expanded battlefields forced the adoption of new technologies, training, and organization.
There are other books I look forward to reading. Timothy B. Smith released Bayou Battles for Vicksburg and The Inland Campaign for Vicksburg will come out in April 2024. I always look forward to his subsequent work. I am still working through the third volume of Kenneth Williams's Lincoln Finds a General. It is incredibly disappointing that he did not finish the series because, so far, he has incorporated more minor engagements that Grant oversaw. These lesser-known engagements had a significant impact on Grant's thinking and decision-making.
Nevertheless, I still have volumes four and five to look forward to. The Chiefs finally came back this week against the Patriots. It will be an exciting playoff season, but I can only hope the Chiefs make it past the first round, just as I can only hope my Liberty Flames play a competitive game against the Oregon Ducks on New Year's Day. Finally, I plan on traveling to Mississippi this Summer to document my time around Vicksburg and Champion's Hill. I will give a small tour and conduct something of a staff ride.
Question of the Week: If you could work at any National Battlefield Park, which one would it be?
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