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Give Me a Fast Ship: The Continental Navy and America's Revolution at Sea
Author: Tim McGrath Give Me a Fast Ship: The Continental Navy and America's Revolution at Sea NAL Hardcover ISBN: 0451416104 2014 Format: EPUB Size: 15,6 МБ Language: English Pages: 560 Five ships against hundreds—the fledgling American Navy versus the greatest naval force the world had ever seen… America in 1775 was on the verge of revolution—or, more likely, disastrous defeat. After the bloodshed at Lexington and Concord, England’s King George sent hundreds of ships westward to bottle up American harbors and prey on American shipping. Colonists had no force to defend their coastline and waterways until John Adams of Massachusetts proposed a bold solution: The Continental Congress should raise a navy. The idea was mad. The Royal Navy was the mightiest floating arsenal in history, with a seemingly endless supply of vessels. More than a hundred of these were massive “ships of the line,” bristling with up to a hundred high-powered cannon that could level a city. The British were confident that His Majesty’s warships would quickly bring the rebellious colonials to their knees.
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HMS Beagle: The Story of Darwin's Ship
Author: Keith Thomson HMS Beagle: The Story of Darwin's Ship W.W. Norton & Co Inc. ISBN: 0393037789 2014 Format: PDF Pages: 324 Size: 32 Mb Language: English "After having twice been driven back by heavy south-west gales, His Majesty's Ship Beagle, a ten-gun brig, under the command of Captain Fitzroy, sailed from Devonport on the 27th of December, 1813". These words open Darwin's story of his historical voyage in the "Beagle". Darwin's views and his books are well known but very little is known of the ship that circumnavigated the world. The "Beagle" was not a dashing frigate of the time but was known in its day as a "coffin brig", more likely to founder than to sail twice round the world. While the "Darwin voyage" has been celebrated in the history of exploration, her other two voyages - a prior survey of South America, including Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn, and the first complete exploration of the coasts of Australia - are less well known.
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Civil War: Fort Sumter to Appomattox
Author: Gary Gallagher; Robert Krick; Stephen Engle Civil War: Fort Sumter to Appomattox Osprey Publishing Osprey General Military ISBN: 1782006435 2014 Format: PDF (e-book) Pages: 335 Size: 31 Mb Language: English Undoubtedly the most cataclysmic military struggle of the late nineteenth century, the American Civil War spanned four bloody years of fighting in which over 620,000 American soldiers and sailors lost their lives. From its outbreak at Fort Sumter, South Carolina in April 1861 until its conclusion at the Appomattox Court House, more than 10,000 battles, engagements and skirmishes were recorded across the length and breadth of America. This book explores the political, historical and cultural significance of the American Civil War, examining its impact on the civilians and military personnel caught up in it.
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The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783
Author: Alfred Thayer Mahan The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 Dodo Press 2008 Pages: 480 Format: PDF Language: English Size: 16 mb Alfred Thayer Mahan (1840-1914) was a United States Navy officer, geostrategist, and educator. His ideas on the importance of sea power influenced navies around the world, and helped prompt naval buildups before World War I. Despite his success in the Navy, his skills in actual command of a ship were not exemplary, and a number of vessels under his command were involved in collisions. On the other hand, the books he wrote ashore made him arguably the most influential naval historian. In 1885, he was appointed lecturer in naval history and tactics and the Naval War College. Before entering on his duties, Mahan was pointed to write his future studies and lectures on the influence of sea power. He organized his lectures into his most influential books, The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660-1783 (1890). To a modern reader his emphasis on sea-borne commerce may seem commonplace, but the notion was much more radical in Mahan's time. His other works include: The Interest of America in Sea Power, Present and Future (1897) and Types of Naval Officers (1902).
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Redlegs. The U.S. Artillery From the Civil War to the Spanish-American War, 1861-1898 (G.I. Series 11)
Author: John P. Langellier Redlegs. The U.S. Artillery From the Civil War to the Spanish-American War, 1861-1898 (G.I. Series 11) Chelsea House 2000 Format: PDF Pages: 82 Language: English Size: 13 MB A history of the artillery of the United States Army from 1861 to 1898 focusing on its uniforms and equipment.
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Three Victories and a Defeat: The Rise and Fall of the First British Empire, 1714-1783
Author: Brendan Simms Three Victories and a Defeat: The Rise and Fall of the First British Empire, 1714-1783 Penguin Books 2007 Format: PDF Pages: 787 Language: English Size: 35.7 MB This highly original, extremely enjoyable book tells the story of Britain's extraordinary scramble to world power in the 18th century and how, through hubris and incompetence, it lost almost everything it had gained. Whilst Britain was an important European power, few would have expected her global preeminence by 1760, but as Brendan Simms shows with great flair and originality, Britain had a crucial card to play. It was the joining of the British crown to Hanover that gave Britain two empires: one scattered around the world and another - the more important of the two - firmly locked into Germany. Having created a new empire Britain then spectacularly lost it, this time because of its chaotic failure to maintain its European alliances. This is an epic and often unexpected story, and Simms tells it brilliantly.
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People of the Desert
Chroniclers of Indian Life Author:Editors of :Time-Life Books Cahners Business Information, Inc THE AMERICAM INDIANS 1993 Language:English Format:pdf Size:40 mb Pages:200 PUEBLOS BENEATH A TURQUOISE SKY 18 KINDRED TRIBES IN A DAUNTING LAND 96 IN THE REALM OF THE APACHE AND NAVAJO 138 ESSAYS \THE HALLOWED TERRAIN 6 SEASONS OF ThE KACHINAS 75 FACES OF THE DESERT 86 THE DAWN OF AH APACHE WOMAN 177 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 186 BIBLIOGRAPHY 186 PICTURE CREDITS 188 INDEX 189
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Osprey - Men at Arms 6 - The Austro-Hungarian Army of The Seven Years War
Author: Albert Seaton Osprey - Men at Arms 6 - The Austro-Hungarian Army of The Seven Years War Osprey Publishing ISBN: 0850451493 1973 Format: PDF Size: 21,3 МБ Language: English Pages: 48 This book traces the development of the dominance of the Austrian hapsburgs in eastern Europe as they established themselves as eventual rulers of Austria, Hungary, Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. The latter was the setting for severe fighting as the Austro-Hungarian army tried and failed to resist Prussian attempts to seize the region. The Seven Years War pitted Fredrick the Great of Prussia against Maria Theresa of Austro-Hungary as each struggled for control of their respective empires and dominance of the continent. The organisation, uniforms and equipment of the army is examined and illustrated.
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Crucible of War: The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766
Author: Fred Anderson Crucible of War: The Seven Years' War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766 Vintage 2001 ISBN: 0375706364 Format: EPUB Size: 15,2 МБ Language: English Pages: 912 In this vivid and compelling narrative, the Seven Years' War–long seen as a mere backdrop to the American Revolution–takes on a whole new significance. Relating the history of the war as it developed, Anderson shows how the complex array of forces brought into conflict helped both to create Britain’s empire and to sow the seeds of its eventual dissolution. Beginning with a skirmish in the Pennsylvania backcountry involving an inexperienced George Washington, the Iroquois chief Tanaghrisson, and the ill-fated French emissary Jumonville, Anderson reveals a chain of events that would lead to world conflagration. Weaving together the military, economic, and political motives of the participants with unforgettable portraits of Washington, William Pitt, Montcalm, and many others, Anderson brings a fresh perspective to one of America’s most important wars, demonstrating how the forces unleashed there would irrevocably change the politics of empire in North America.
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Incomparable: Napoleon's 9th Light Infantry Regiment (Osprey General Military)
Author: Terry Crowdy Incomparable: Napoleon's 9th Light Infantry Regiment Osprey Publishing Osprey General Military ISBN: 1846032261 2012 Format: PDF (e-book) Pages: 415 Size: 7 Mb Language: English An elite battalion under Louis XVI, the 9th Light Infantry regiment were with Napoleon from almost the beginning, turning the field at Marengo and breaking the Austrians. They then spent over a decade fighting their way across the continent, following Napoleon to the bitter end. Bringing their Eagle out of hiding when Napoleon returned from exile in 1815 they almost saved the day again, at Waterloo, spearheading a charge to rejoin Napoleon.
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Waterloo 1815 (2): Ligny (Osprey Campaign 277)
Waterloo 1815 (2): Ligny Author: John Franklin Osprey Publishing Osprey Campaign 277 ISBN: 978 1472803665 2015 Language: English Pages: 97 Format: PDF Size: 5,2 MB This title represents the second instalment of the captivating study of the Waterloo campaign, one of the defining events in European history. In particular it focuses on the desperate struggle for Ligny, which saw the Prussians pushed back by the French Army after heavy fighting in what was to be Napoleon's last battlefield victory. With Wellington unable to assist his Prussian allies in time, the Prussian centre was overwhelmed as night began to fall, although the flanks were able to retreat in some semblance of order. Stunning illustrations augment the drama of the fighting in this area while considerable new research drawn from unpublished first-hand accounts provide a detailed and engaging resource for all aspects of the battle.
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Time Frame AD 1700-1800 - Winds of Revolution
Author: Collective Time Frame AD 1600-1700 - Powers of the Crown Time-Life Books 1993 Format: PDF Pages: 186 Language: English Size: 38 MB This book has much important basic information on revolutions throughout the world without the fluff. Great pictures and perfect for all ages. Content: Essay : The Age of Reason Russia Looks West Essay: The Grand tour The Rise of Prussia The Pacific Adventure America Independent Essay: The Cruelest Trade The French Revolution Essay: The Industrial Dawn
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Battle in Africa 1879-1914
Battle in Africa 1879-1914 Author: Howard Whitehouse, Paddy Griffith Fieldbooks ISBN: 1869871014 1987 Pages: 50 Format: PDF Size: 30.72МБ Language: English Takes the reader through the strategic pressures and concepts which led the Europeans and Africans into an increased level of conflict in the later Victorian era, then shows how a typical European expedition was collected, and how it organised its march into enemy territory (It was normally very strong in transport, porters and artillery, but very light on infantry and cavalry). The way each side planned for battle is analysed, as well as the many different types of outcome that might result, from 'horrible disasters' to 'glorious victories'. Guerrilla and siege warfare are covered, together with weapons, tactics and the fate of casualties.
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Confederate Ordeal - The Southern home front
Author: Steven A. Channing Confederate Ordeal - The Southern home front (The Civil War Series) Time Life Books 1984 Format: PDF Pages: 184 Language: English Size: 36 MB "Confederate Ordeal: The Southern Home Front" and its counterpart "Twenty Million Yanks: The Northern Home Front" provide the civilian perspective on the war in the Time-Life Civil War series: (1) The Pulse of Independence looks at how the Southern made up with gallantry what it lacked in industry and agriculture; with so much acreage devoted to Cotton the South had relied on what were now Union states for essential food stuffs; (2) A Culture Transformed looks at how life in the South changed during the war (e.g., wallpaper being used to print newspapers), and how Confederates expressed their pride; (3) The Fires of Dissent looks at not only those Southerners who did not support the war, including pro-Union guerillas, but those who dissented on state's rights grounds to the Confederate government dictating policy; (4) Long Cruel Roads focuses on Southerners who had to endure occupation by Union troops and the first steps of slaves towards freedom; and (5) End to the Dream talks about the end of the War as it became clear to even the most die-hard Confederate loyalists that the Cause was doomed. This chapter looks at the last attempts by Confederate Commissioners to negotiate a peace, a rather interesting footnote to the last days of the war. Steven A. Channing does a nice job of providing a representative look at the Confederate home front, especially when you take into account that unlike most volumes in the Time-Life Civil War series, which have a limited time frame, "Confederate Ordeal" starts before the war and ends well afterwards. The volume is illustrated with historic photographs, illustrations, etchings, and such, the vast majority of which you have probably never seen before even if you are a die-hard Civil War buff.
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Railroaded: The Transcontinentals and the Making of Modern America
Railroaded: The Transcontinentals and the Making of Modern America Author: Richard White W. W. Norton & Company 2011 Pages: 660 Format: PDF Size: 79 Mb Language: English A new, incisive history of the transcontinental railroads and how they transformed America in the decades after the Civil War.The transcontinental railroads of the late nineteenth century were the first corporate behemoths. Their attempts to generate profits from proliferating debt sparked devastating panics in the U.S. economy. Their dependence on public largess drew them into the corridors of power, initiating new forms of corruption. Their operations rearranged space and time, and remade the landscape of the West.
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Galician villagers and the Ukrainian national movement in the nineteenth century
Author:Himka John-Paul Galician villagers and the Ukrainian national movement in the nineteenth century THE MACMILLAN PRESS LTD 1988 Format: pdf Language: English Size: 6.89 MB This first case study of how the East European peasantry was drawn into national politics focuses on the Ukrainians of Galicia (1772-1914). On the basis of first-hand testimony by peasants and rural notables, it demonstrates that the peasants' political consciousness was forged by serfdom, reforms initiated by the state, and the penetration of a money economy. This book breaks new ground on related issues, including the connection between class and national consciouness, the reasons for a sharp exacerbation of the peasantry's antagonism toward Jews, the new role of generational differences in the village, and the place of rural women in the national movement.
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Rasputin: The Untold Story
Author: Joseph T. Fuhrmann Rasputin: The Untold Story Wiley ISBN: 1118172760 2012 Format: PDF Size: 27,0 МБ Language: English Pages: 320 Based on new sources—the definitive biography of Rasputin, with revelations about his life, death, and involvement with the Romanovs A century after his death, Grigory Rasputin remains fascinating: the Russian peasant with hypnotic eyes who befriended Tsar Nicholas II and helped destroy the Russian Empire, but the truth about his strange life has never fully been told. Written by the world's leading authority on Rasputin, this new biography draws on previously closed Soviet archives to offer new information on Rasputin's relationship with Empress Alexandra, sensational revelations about his sexual conquests, a re-examination of his murder, and more. Based on long-closed Soviet archives and the author's decades of research, encompassing sources ranging from baptismal records and forgotten police reports to notes written by Rasputin and personal letters Reveals new information on Rasputin's family history and strange early life, religious beliefs, and multitudinous sexual adventures as well as his relationship with Empress Alexandra, ability to heal the haemophiliac tsarevich, and more Includes many previously unpublished photos, including contemporary studio photographs of Rasputin and samples of his handwriting Written by historian Joesph T. Fuhrmann, a Rasputin expert whose 1990 biography Rasputin: A Life was widely praised as the best on the subject Synthesizing archival sources with published documents, memoirs, and other studies of Rasputin into a single, comprehensive work, Rasputin: The Untold Story will correct a century's worth of misconception and error about the life and death of the famous Siberian mystic and healer and the decline and fall of Imperial Russia.
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Longknives: The U.S. Cavalry and Other Mounted Forces, 1845-1942 (G.I. Series 3)
Author: Kurt Hamilton Cox Longknives: The U.S. Cavalry and Other Mounted Forces, 1845-1942 (G.I. Series 03) Chelsea House 2000 Format: PDF Pages: 92 Language: English Size: 12.4 MB A history of the cavalry troops of the United States Army focusing on the uniforms and equipment which distinguished them.
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Covered with Glory: The 26th North Carolina Infantry at the Battle of Gettysburg
Author: Rod Gragg Covered with Glory The 26th North Carolina Infantry at the Battle of Gettysburg The University of North Carolina Press ISBN: 0807871400 2010 Format: PDF Size: 6,1 МБ Language: English Pages: 336 On July 1, 1863, the 26th North Carolina Infantry marched toward Gettysburg with a strength of 843 officers and troops. Two days later, the regiment could muster only 156 soldiersAa staggering loss of 81.5%, perhaps the highest casualty rate of any Civil War regiment, North or South. Gettysburg is one of the most written-about battles in history, but Gragg (Confederate Goliath, etc.) has mined a host of primary sources for this engrossing study and paints a detailed, vivid picture of the destruction of one of Robert E. Lee's largest units. Following a brief history of the 26th, Gragg follows the Tarheels north from Fredericksburg into Pennsylvania, then moves with the regiment to Herr's Ridge west of Gettysburg. From this vantage point, 21-year-old Colonel Henry K. Burgwyn Jr. led his superbly trained unit into the teeth of enemy fire from two Union Iron Brigade regiments. Although the 26th forced the Yankees back, Burgwyn was killed and the regiment was decimated as bearer after bearer of the unit's flag went down like chaff. After resting on July 2, the regiment took part in Pickett's Charge. Gragg's prose is at its best as he describes the time it took for the gray-clad battle line to cross the mile from Seminary Ridge to the Federal line on Cemetery Ridge, suffering casualties all the while. This exemplary book puts a human face on the 26th North Carolina's tragic loss at Gettysburg and is one of the most original titles on the battle to appear in the past few years.
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