For hundreds of years men have fought and died to expand and protect the United States relying on martial skill and patriotism. Various powerful enemies; from the British to the Nazis; and legendary individuals including Tecumseh and Robert E. Lee have all fallen before the arms of the American soldier. Yet the deadliest enemy faced by the nation; one which killed more soldiers than all of its foes combined; has been both unrecognized and unseen. The war waged by the United States against disease; and by disease against the United States; has impacted the country more than any other conflict and continues to present a terrible threat to this day. Illness has been more than just a historical cause of casualties for the American military; in numerous wars it has helped to decide battles; drive campaigns; and determine strategy. In fact the Patriots owed pestilence as much for their victory in the Revolution as they did their own force of arms. Likewise disease helped to prevent the conquest of Canada in 1812; drove strategy in the Mexican War; handicapped Lee’s 1862 advance; and helped lead to World War II. Disease also provided an edge in the wars against Native Americans; yet just as soon turned on the US when unacclimated US troops were dispatched to the southern Pacific. This book not only traces the path of disease in American military history but also recounts numerous small episodes and interesting anecdotes related to the history of illness. Overall it presents a compelling story; one that has been overlooked and under appreciated. Yellow fever; malaria; tuberculosis; glanders; bubonic plague; smallpox; and numerous other bacteria and viruses all conspired to defeat America; and are enemies that need to be recognized.
#610622 in Books 2015-04-01 2015-04-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .60 x 5.90l; .60 #File Name: 1611212804168 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Final Union breakthrough at PetersburgBy Steven PetersonAnother in the Savas Beatie series that gives a brief but useful description of a Civil War battler and; at the same time; a view of the battlefield as it is today. Sheridan's defeat of Pickett's force at Five Forks outside of Petersburg unleashed forces that ultimately led General Robert E. Lee abandon his position--and Richmond--to save his army.The siege at Petersburg had been long and frustrating for Union forces. But it had also been hard on the Confederate forces. After Pickett's defeat; the southern forces were in a precarious position; having lines stretched so thinly that they would be difficult to defend against a focused assault by Grant's forces. The next day? Grant ordered an attack. The VI Corps was a key actor. They broke through the Confederate lines; other Union forces also attacked. The southern lines began to collapse. There was much hot fighting left to go and both sides fought fiercely. Finally; the retreat began.The second feature of this book (as others in the series) is an examination of the battlefield as it is today; with a guide for readers if they decide to visit the venue.Another nice additon to this series. . . .4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A US Park Ranger's TaleBy Spencer W SullivanI've read numerous books about the battle og Gettysburg but never knew much about Petersburg. The author is a ranger with the national park service and is very familiar with the battlefield. He intersperses reference with current geograpny versus those at the time of the battle. The book is well researched and referenced. The writing is a bit unpolished - the author uses some anachronisms - for example; a certain action "put someone in the driver's seat" - just a familiar figure of speach but it struck me as out-of-place in a story that took place in 1865.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. He tells the story of the april 2; 2865 in a clear and compelling wayBy Bryce A. SuderowEdward Alexander is one of the most promising young authors of Civil War books. He works at Pamplin Park which marks the spot where the VI Corps broke Lee's line's outside Petersburg.He tells the story of the attack in a clear and compelling way and explains how this attack resulted in the capture of the city the next day.Bryce
