The Roots of Blitzkrieg: Hans von Seeckt and German Military Reform
This well-written, thoroughly researched book makes a powerful case that the tactical concepts used so effectively by the German army in World War II originated with Hans von Seeckt in the 1920s. Corum (military studies, Air Univ., United States Air Force) deserves particular credit for demonstrating that the German army's tactical orientation reflected not indifference to strategic questions but recognition that Germany's national interests were best served by short wars ending in decisive victories. In a state disarmed by the Versailles Treaty, Seeckt established a body of doctrine independent of armies and weapons. He broke with many aspects of the Prussian-German military tradition to develop concepts of offensive mobile war by elite combined-arms forces, closely supported from the air. He also emphasized high standards of leadership and training at all levels--standards that persisted in the Wehrmacht and contributed greatly to its wartime efficiency. Recommended for military history collections.-D.E. Showalter, U.S. Air Force Acad., Colorado SpringsCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.