Review

Battle Tactics of the Civil War

Griffith

Amazon UK ref: 0300042477 | Amazon US ref: 0300042477

Originally published in 1986 as Rally Once Again, there were slightly revised US and UK editions published in 1989 under the title of Battle Tactics of the Civil War. Griffith argues against the presumption that there was a revolution in warfare as the result of the rifle-musket. The weapon's theoretical capabilities were not realised because of poor training, archaic doctrine and close wooded terrain which generally restricted range to that which could be beaten by smoothbore muskets. He further argues that American enthusiasm for fortification was doctrinal rather than a response to the new weaponry. Union cavalry came into its own with the adoption of repeating carbines but these owed their effectiveness to a high volume of fire rather than long-range accuracy, presaging the course of future developments. Griffith's arguments are highly convincing but have evoked some resentment because of collateral damage to American pride.

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