So that the same mistakes would never again be repeated, the Army War College prepared a clear and understandable analysis of America's strategic failure in Vietnam. One of the most positive aspects of the analysis was the rediscovery of the importance of traditional military history and classical military theory. (RM)

In 1864, President Lincoln was frustrated by the inability of Union Generals to defeat Robert E. Lee's forces. Lincoln looked to the western theater of the Civil War to find a winning leader, General Ulysses S. Grant. In March 1864, Grant took command of the entire Union army and began to wage a war of attrition to destroy Lee's army, its civilian…

General Ulysses S. Grant reflected the prevailing views of his community and times concerning social attitudes. Although opposed to slavery, he was not a strong advocate of liberties and rights for black people. Like President Lincoln, Grant at first opposed use of black troops in the Civil War. On July 17, 1862 black recruitment was approved and…

In the summer of 1884, Ulysses S. Grant wrote his "Memoirs," which were published and promoted by the great American writer, Mark Twain, who encouraged and aided Grant in his literary work. Grant was fatally ill with cancer of the throat and raced against time to complete his manuscript. He was motivated by the desire to provide…

This program guide encourages discussion on what role the United States should pursue in the Middle East. The guide is designed to assist in the discussion of critical social and political issues through a balanced, nonpartisan presentation of a spectrum of views. The core of the program considers four underlying goals: (1) the United States as…

Free-form games are applicable to a range of problem-solving situations. This document discusses gaming as a procedure for organized study of the complex problems entailed in confrontations and crises. The major focus of the booklet is on the various forms of this game type, the kinds of problems to which it is best adapted, and some approaches to…

This resource guide provides educators and community workers with a listing of written materials, audio-visual materials, and Ottawa-Carleton (Canada) area speakers dealing with peace education. The first of three parts lists 27 books, kits, and curriculum materials. For each listing, appropriate grade level, annotation, ordering address, and…

Based on Sun Tzu's book "The Art of War," this lesson plan presents activities designed to help students understand that the book has become required reading in military curricula as well as business, economics, and political science classes, and that many cultures rely on ancient texts and ideas for advice and guidance. The main activity in the…

Asserts that Robert E. Lee holds a paradoxical position in U.S. history: he fought against the U.S. government and to preserve slavery; yet he is one of the most respected and revered generals and personalities in the nation's history. Reviews the historiography and changing historical interpretations of Lee. (CFR)

This program guide assists in discussions of critical social and political issues by providing a framework for considering which conditions warrant a use of military force. The guide examines the question from two different but related angles: military force and those reasons for war most commonly offered. The document includes the following…

The 100th anniversary of Ulysses S. Grant's death was observed on July 23, 1985. The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery featured an exhibit of Grant portraiture, which covered his life, from its humble beginnings to military and political triumphs and to failures and disappointment. The exhibit included pictures, artifacts, and momentos from…

Discusses problems with military documentation during the Vietnam War. Reports poor record keeping practices, destruction of permanent files, and mislabeled and missing records. Describes the National Archives' Vietnam project that organized and preserved the remaining military records. Concludes that the Vietnam War was better documented than the…

Discusses the state of Germany's armed forces in World War II. Describes Germany's progress from inferior weaponry and unprepared military at the beginning of the war to superior weapons and fighting. Stresses heavy German dependence on horse drawn supply. Credits Germany's defeat to human attrition accelerated by Hitler's operational leadership.…

Asserts that one way to make the study of history more interesting to students is for teachers to help them understand how historians recreate the past. Maintains that students who engage in historical investigations utilize primary sources, develop thinking skills, and draw conclusions on their own. (CFR)

Presents a sketch of General Thomas M. Vincent, a major recruiter and organizer of U.S. military personnel in the last half of the nineteenth century. Provides quotes from his letters and papers concerning the assassinations of Presidents Lincoln and Garfield. Discusses his efforts to include blacks in the military. (CFR)