A Legislative History of The General Survey Act

Discover how the 1823 Tennessee steamboat tragedy ignited a national movement, leading to the pivotal 1824 General Survey and Rivers and Harbors Acts. Uncover the political battles, key figures, and Supreme Court rulings that transformed the Army Corps of Engineers and birthed a new era of national development. Dive into "A Legislative History of The General Survey Act" to learn how a devastating shipwreck fundamentally reshaped the growing United States.

A weathered painting showing a prairie or plains landscape with a body of water in the middle distance. In the foreground, there are figures on horseback and what appears to be a covered wagon moving across grassland. The painting has visible cracking throughout, and an old newspaper or document text is superimposed in the upper portion. The scene likely depicts westward expansion or pioneer movement across the American frontier.

Read Time: < 4 mins

Gettysburg's Southern Front: Opportunity and Failure at Richmond

This review critiques Hampton Newsome's book about Union Army operations targeting Richmond during the Gettysburg campaign in summer 1863. While questioning the title's accuracy, the reviewer praises Newsome's detailed research on General Dix's poorly executed expedition to destroy vital Confederate railroad bridges, an overlooked opportunity that failed due to leadership inefficiencies.

Reviewed by John R Maass

Image of the cover of 'Napoleon Absent Coalition Ascendant: the 1799 Campaign on Italy and Switzerland, Volume 1' By Carl Von Clausewitz.

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Napoleon Absent, Coalition Ascendant: The 1799 Campaign in Italy and Switzerland, Volume 1

This review examines a translated work of Carl von Clausewitz on the 1799 Italian and Swiss campaigns, enhanced with extensive editorial commentary by Murray and Pringle. The book analyzes military operations during Napoleon's absence in Egypt, highlighting the leadership of key generals and serving as an insightful companion to Clausewitz's theoretical principles in 'On War.'

Reviewed by Tom Vance

Read Time: < 5 mins

The Battle Of Harlem Heights, 1776

This review examines David Price's book on the overlooked Battle of Harlem Heights, highlighting its significance as Washington's first successful engagement against the British. Price emphasizes Lt. Col. Knowlton's intelligence contributions and argues that this pivotal victory boosted American morale and proved the Continental Army could effectively resist British forces.

Reviewed By Ann M Becker

Read Time: < 5 mins

On Contested Shores: The Evolving Role Of Amphibious Operations In The History Of Warfare

This review examines 'On Contested Shores,' a comprehensive collection of essays on amphibious warfare history edited by Timothy Heck and B.A. Friedman. The book addresses gaps in understanding by covering five centuries of operations, from historical assaults to future considerations. It emphasizes the continuing relevance of amphibious operations beyond just coastal assaults.

Reviewed By Jamie L H Goodall