The Progressive Army: Us Army Command and Administration, 1870-1914

In the late nineteenth and early 20th centuries a modern, professional army was created in America. This was achieved in a nation which was traditionally hostile to the twin concepts of military professionalism and powerful central government. This major change in American life was accomplished by a few army officers and key Republican politicians influenced by the economic success of US business in the late nineteenth century. These individuals sought to create a national management structure served by professionals in the army and in government which challenged Jeffersonian and Jacksonian notions of local democracy controlled by amateurs. The political victory of these army officers and politicians created an American Empire, defended by central government, which was served by a professional military structure. These changes had a lasting impact on US defense and foreign relations throughout much of the 20th century. This text should, therefore, appeal to those interested in the progressive era, American military history, and US foreign relations in the first half of the 20th century.