World Wars 1914–1945

The two world wars were amongst the most convulsive events in human history. Millions of people died, many millions more had their lives transformed, and the nature of warfare itself was changed forever. The Era of World Wars 1914-45 – volume six in the Encyclopedia of Warfare Series – charts the cataclysmic world wars of the twentieth century. This is a chronological guide to conflict on every continent, including the far-reaching effects on Africa, China and the Middle East, as well as the more familiar battlegrounds such as Verdun and the Somme in 1916, Stalingrad in 1942, and Normandy in 1944. This volume tells the story of the millions involved in the world wars and surrounding conflicts. Featuring full colour maps illustrating the formations and strategies used, plus narrative descriptions of the circumstances behind each battle, this is a comprehensive guide to the two world wars and the other conflicts of the era. The Encyclopedia of Warfare Series is an authoritative compendium of five millennia of conflict, from the ancient world to the Arab Spring. Written in a style accessible to both the student and the general enthusiast, it reflects the latest thinking among military historians and will prove to be an indispensible reference guide.