While specific contemporary reviews are scarce for The Dawn of Modern Warfare, part of The West Point Military History Series by Thomas Griess and published in 1986, I find the information quite useful, albeit the scholarship is somewhat out of date.

Overview: As part of a series from the United States Military Academy at West Point, this book would undoubtedly serve as a foundational text for understanding the pivotal period when warfare transitioned from its earlier forms to what we recognize as “modern.” This typically encompasses the period from the late 15th to the 18th century, a transformative era marked by significant changes in military technology, organization, strategy, and the evolving role of the state in warfare. It aims to provide a comprehensive, yet accessible, overview for students and enthusiasts of military history.

Key Themes and Content (Likely): A book of this nature would likely explore the multifaceted aspects of this military transformation in considerable detail:

• The “Military Revolution”: This central concept, often attributed to figures like Michael Roberts and Geoffrey Parker, forms the backbone of the narrative. The book would delve into the profound and interconnected changes that occurred in European warfare, examining how the widespread adoption of gunpowder weapons, the professionalization of armies, and the development of more sophisticated logistics fundamentally reshaped the conduct of war. It would likely discuss the debates surrounding the timing and nature of this revolution, and its long-term implications.
• Technological Advancements: The text would meticulously detail the impact of revolutionary technologies. This includes the evolution and increasing effectiveness of firearms, from early arquebuses to more standardized muskets, and the growing destructive power and tactical application of artillery. Furthermore, it would cover the development of new defensive structures, particularly the trace italienne (star fort), which necessitated new siege tactics, and significant naval innovations that expanded the reach and influence of maritime power.
• Organizational Shifts: The book would trace the crucial shift from temporary, often feudal, levies to the establishment of standing armies. This involved the development of rigorous drill and discipline to ensure cohesion and effectiveness on the battlefield. It would also touch upon the nascent stages of military professionalization, including the emergence of early military academies and the formalization of officer training, laying the groundwork for institutions like West Point itself (though these developments largely predate West Point’s founding).
• Strategic and Tactical Evolution: Griess’s work would analyze the new approaches to warfare that emerged. This includes the increasing complexity of siege warfare, the development of more sophisticated battle formations designed to maximize firepower and maneuver, and the growing, often decisive, importance of logistics and supply in sustaining larger armies in the field. The book would highlight how these tactical and strategic innovations were often driven by, and in turn drove, technological and organizational changes.
• The Role of the State: A critical aspect would be the examination of how the evolving nature of warfare profoundly influenced the development of stronger, more centralized nation-states. The immense financial and administrative demands of maintaining professional armies and advanced weaponry compelled states to develop more efficient taxation systems, bureaucracies, and national identities, thereby intertwining military development with political and social evolution.
• Key Conflicts and Figures: To illustrate these transformations, the book would likely provide detailed accounts of pivotal conflicts such as the Thirty Years’ War, the English Civil War, and the wars of Louis XIV. It would highlight the contributions and innovations of influential commanders like Gustavus Adolphus, whose tactical reforms were revolutionary; Oliver Cromwell, who professionalized the English army; and Marlborough, known for his strategic brilliance and mastery of combined arms. These case studies would serve to demonstrate the practical application of the discussed military changes.

Educational Value: Given its origin as part of a series from the United States Military Academy at West Point, The Dawn of Modern Warfare would have been designed as an authoritative, comprehensive, and pedagogically sound resource. It would emphasize clarity, factual accuracy, and a structured approach to historical analysis, making complex military concepts understandable. The “West Point Military History Series” generally aims to provide a solid, foundational understanding of military evolution, ensuring that this book serves as a valuable reference for military cadets, aspiring officers, historians, and general enthusiasts studying the roots of modern military thought and practice. Its focus on the “how” and “why” of military change makes it particularly insightful.

Limitations (Given its Age): As a book published in 1986, it’s important to consider its place within the broader historiographical landscape:

• New Scholarship: Military history is a dynamic and continually evolving field. Since its publication, new research, interpretations, and debates have emerged. More recent works might offer updated perspectives on the “Military Revolution,” incorporate new archival findings, or challenge some of the prevailing theories of the 1980s. For instance, some contemporary historians might place more emphasis on social or cultural aspects of warfare, or offer different periodizations of military change.
• Historiographical Context: The book would reflect the prevailing historiographical trends and interpretations of its time. While robust, it might not engage with more recent critical approaches or interdisciplinary perspectives that have become common in military history since the late 20th century. Readers seeking the absolute cutting edge of scholarship would need to supplement this text with more recent publications.

For those seeking a solid, well-structured introduction to the foundational changes that shaped modern warfare, particularly from an institutional military perspective, The Dawn of Modern Warfare by Thomas Griess from The West Point Military History Series remains a relevant and valuable historical document. While newer scholarship may offer contemporary insights and alternative interpretations, its value as a product of West Point’s historical curriculum and its comprehensive scope for its time makes it a worthy and informative addition to any military history library. It provides a strong framework for understanding the complex evolution of armed conflict into its modern form.

Any books in this series are well worth getting a hold of if the price is right. Just remember more modern scholarship can make some conclusions obsolete.