The Plans of War: The General Staff and British Military Strategy c. 1900-1916

by John Gooch

Overview

This book’s contribution to the discussion on the origin’s of the First World War is a pioneering study of both the British General Staff and the evolution of military strategy in the period immediately prior to the war. It describes the development of the General Staff, Britain’s agency for strategic planning, and goes on to give an account of its role in devising strategy. Problems are examined as they arose at grass-roots level in the War Office and progressed upward towards the Cabinet. The complex cross-currents involving the Admiralty, Foreign Office, Treasury and individuals from Edward VII downwards are charted. The account covers British military policy up to 1916, interpreting the Gallipoli campaign and explanation for its failure.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138934924
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/28/2017
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Military and Naval History
Pages:	364
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

1. Army and Empire 2. The Triumph of Lord Esher 3. Division and Debate 4. The Machine Constructed 5. The Imperial Deisgn 6. Strategic Reorientation 7. India 8. Egypt 9. France and Germany 10. Democracy at War