Description
Book SynopsisAn analysis of West Point’s development of military science curriculum in the first half of the nineteenth century and its effect on preparations for, and conduct of, the Civil War.
Trade Review"Hope has written a book that will stand the test of time as the definitive treatise of the development of a professional American army."—Robert Grandchamp,
Blue & Gray Magazine"Hope has persuasively challenged the standard narrative about West Point, the "Old Army," and the evolution of American military doctrine. Scholars whose work involves these topics cannot afford to overlook this book."—Rob Andrew Jr.,
American Historical Review"This book is remarkably researched and cogently written, and it will make itself invaluable in the understanding of both the antebellum army and its officers' education."—Bradford Wineman,
Journal of Southern History"In
A Scientific Way of War: Antebellum Military Science, West Point, and the Origins of American Military Thought, Hope demonstrates that the science of military thought and theory during this period was about much more than simply preparing for and waging continental war."—Andrew J. Ziebell,
Army History"A well-researched and well-written contribution to the early development of American military thought. Readers who are interested in West Point and the essential role that its graduates played in both the Mexican and Civil Wars will find the book to be especially interesting."—Roger Cunningham,
Journal of America's Military Past"
A Scientific Way of War will appeal to both professionals and lay persons with a serious interest in the US Army, its premier professional Academy, nineteenth-century American defense policy, the nature of a particular national approach to military theory and doctrine, and the professionalization of the American armed forces."—Richard Swain,
Michigan War Studies Review“A detailed, thoughtful, and provocative explanation of the evolution of the U.S. Army’s understanding of military science and why this scientific view of war was so important in the nation’s military history and to the conduct of the Civil War.”—Brian McAllister Linn, Ralph R. Thomas Professor in Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University and author of
The Echo of Battle: The Army’s Way of War“Truly original. . . . No other scholar has so successfully explained what Americans understood by the phrase ‘military science’ as taught—and modified over time—at West Point, and how that doctrine related to the nation’s geographic position, quest for internal development, and preparation for and perceptions of war.”—Peter Maslowski, professor emeritus of history at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and author of
Looking for a Hero: Joe Ronnie Hooper and the Vietnam War "Highly recommended to any reader interested in the early development of the U.S. army."—
Civil War Books and Authors“[Ian Hope’s] keen insights and original interpretations come through clearly in his new book,
A Scientific Way of War. His penetrating analyses revolutionize our understanding of American military thinking in the antebellum era. This book is required reading for anyone who would understand generalship and high command in the American Civil War.”—Richard J. Sommers, senior historian emeritus, U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, U.S. Army War College
Table of ContentsList of IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Colonial and Early National Military Science2. Army Reforms, 1815–18203. West Point’s Scientific Curriculum4. Internal Improvements5. Jacksonian Military Science6. Military Science during and after the Mexican War7. Antebellum Military Science8. Military Science in the Civil WarConclusionAppendix A. West Point CurriculaAppendix B. Antebellum and Civil War Officer StatisticsNotesBibliographyIndex
