MS 3080 History of the US Army/Land Warfare
Instructor:
Office:
Email:
Course Website:
Spring 2012
Derek Frisby
PH 260
dfrisby@mtsu.edu
http://www.mtsu.edu/~dfrisby
Course Objective: To provide a historical understanding of the evolution of warfare in the western world
and to inspire cadets to continue to increase their understanding of the art of waging war by reading,
studying, and using military history throughout a lifetime of military service.
Textbook:
Stewart, ed., American Military History, 2 vols. (2005)
Vol. 1 – 1775-1917 [http://www.history.army.mil/books/AMH-V1/index.htm]
Vol. 2 – 1918-2003 [http://www.history.army.mil/books/AMH-V2/index.htm]
Assignments:
Your grade in this course will be determined by your performance on various assignments.
1.
Quizzes (20%) – Eleven 15-question quizzes over the assigned textbook readings will be given on
the dates indicated by the schedule.
2.
Exams (30%) – Two exams based upon short answer and essay questions. (See Study Guide)
3.
Article Reviews (30%) – Cadets will provide at least two article reviews for the class on the
assigned readings for that week. The article reviews will be 1-1.5 pages. Cadets are responsible for
notifying the instructor if they wish to review an article outside of the recommended titles.
4.
Staff Ride (10%) – Cadets will perform a staff ride as an all-day training evolution (0730-1600) as
scheduled. During the exercise, cadets will be asked to perform analysis of the battle. Participation
is mandatory.
6.
Attendance/Deportment (10%) – Cadets attitude and behavior during the class will be evaluated
by the instructor. Cadets sleeping or being inattentive during class will be warned by the instructor
initially. Following the warning, if such behavior continues, a percentage of this grade will be
reduced. Attendance is mandatory for this course and excessive tardiness or absence will be
grounds for reducing this portion of the students overall grade.
HY 3080 SPRING 2011 Tentative Lecture Outline and Reading Schedule (TR Classes):
*All quiz chapter references are to American Military History text
WEEK 1
Introduction to Military History / Course Overview
NO CLASS
WEEK 2
Jan. 19
The Military Revolution
The American Colonial Military Institutions
Quiz #1 (Chapter 1 / Terms and Definitions)
READINGS:
Carafano, Intro to the Study and Uses of Military History
Studying the History of the Military Art – Terms and Definitions
WEEK 3
Jan. 26
The American War of Independence
The American War of Independence
Quiz #2 (Chapters 2 & 3)
READINGS:
Coffman, The Duality of the American Military Tradition
Middlekauff, Defeat and Victory in the South
Gruber, The Battle of Long Island
WEEK 4
Feb. 2
Creating the American Military Establishment
The War of 1812, pt. 1 Quiz #3 (Chapters 4 & 5)
READINGS:
Sentiments on a Peace Establishment
The US Constitution and the Military
Delvaux, Interpreting Napoleon: Jomini and Clausewitz
Kimbell, Chippawa and the Tactics of 1812
Crackel, The Battle of Queenston Heights
WEEK 5
Feb. 9
The War of 1812, pt. 2 and the Battle of New Orleans (1815)
The Rise of the Military Professionals Quiz #4 (Chapter 6 & 7)
READINGS:
Valaik, The Wars of 1812 and 1846: The Leadership Factor
WEEK 6
Feb. 16
The Mexican War
The Mexican War, pt. 2
Quiz #5 (Chapter 8)
READINGS:
Bauer, The Battles on the Rio Grande
2
WEEK 7
Feb. 23
Legacy of the Civll War / A Frontier Constabulary
Quiz #6 (Chapter 13-14)
READINGS:
Bell, Winning the West
Utley, Culture Clash on the Western North American Frontier
WEEK 8
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
Mar. 8
WEEK 9
Mar. 15
The Military and Imperialsim
Quiz #7 (Chapter 15)
READINGS:
Linn, Provincial Pacification in the Philippines, 1900-1901
Fitzpatrick, Emory Upton and the Citizen Soldier
Roberts, Reform and Revitalization
Boot, Philippines, 1899-1902
Boot, Punitive Expedition, 1916-1917
WEEK 10
Mar. 22
The American Expeditionary Force
The Great War Quiz #8 (Vol. II, Chapter 1)
READINGS:
Woodward, The Military Role of the United States in World War I
Lupfer, The Offensive Tactics of 1918
Keegan, The Somme
Millet, Cantigny
WEEK 11
Mar. 29
The Interwar Years, 1918-1939
World War II – Europe / D-Day Exercise
READINGS:
Burrell, Breaking the Cycle of Iwo Jima Mythology
Overy, The Means to Victory: Bombers and Bombing
Overy, A War of Engines: Technology and Military Power
WEEK 12
Apr. 5
World War II – Pacific
The Military and Domestic Disturbances
Quiz #9 (Vol. II, Chapter 2)
READINGS:
James and Flint, MacArthur-Truman Controversy
Flint, Task Force Smith and the 24th Division
WEEK 13
Apr. 12
Korea and the Cold War
Vietnam, pt. 1 Quiz #10 (Vol. II, Chapter 7-8)
READINGS:
Boot, Small Wars: Lessons Learned and Unlearned
Herring, The 1st Cavalry and the Ia Drang Valley
3
WEEK 14
Apr. 19
The All-Volunteer Military and Air-Land Battle 2000 Doctrine
Quiz #11 (Vol. II, Chapter 12)
READINGS:
Linn, American Way of War Reconsidered
Roland, Technology, Ground Warfare, and Strategy
WEEK 15
Apr. 24
Apr. 26
Contingency Operations (Entebbe /Desert One / Grenada)
Land Warfare in the 21st Century
NO CLASSES – STUDY DAY
The Civil War – Stones River Staff Ride (0730-1630)
This is an all-day training evolution – Details will be given in class
4