Centuries of warfare that changed the world are captured in History's Greatest Wars. Each chapter includes a quick-reference summary, a timeline, an overview of the war, essays on its principal leaders, a series of short, often offbeat features on aspects of the conflict, and a detailed account of a pivotal battle. Author Joseph Cummins highlights victories that changed nations. Each chapter delineates defining moments in the development of political philosophies, and recounts the heroism of armies and individuals. It traces the transformation of battle tactics and explains the scientific innovations that yielded the machine gun, the tank, and the atom bomb. At the same time, it reiterates the constants of conflict: the personal sacrifices made by those battling tyranny; and the extraordinary influence of charismatic leaders. Sweeping in its scope, yet intimate in its insights, this is a collection that will enhance your understanding of the modern world and your place in it.