People & Places Throughout Military History
By Kennedy Hickman, About.com Guide to Military History
Military leaders have the ability to not just command troops in battle, but to inspire their men to achieve great things. Throughout the centuries, thousands have stepped forward to provide leadership for their nation's forces in times of crisis. While leaders play a critical role, military forces would exist without the dedication and commitment of the men in the ranks.
Army Biographies
Men and women of all sorts have played key roles throughout military history. From nobility to those from the humblest roots, here we focus on those who have made contributions on battlefields around the world.
- Muslim Invasions: Charles Martel
- Crusades: Frederick I Barbarossa
- Thirty Years' War: Albrecht von Wallenstein
- American Revolution: Ethan Allen
- American Revolution: Henry Knox
- American Revolution: Lord Charles Cornwallis
- Napoleonic Wars: Michel Ney
- American Civil War: Union Generals Photo Gallery
- American Civil War: Confederate Generals Photo Gallery
- Indian Wars: Geronimo
- World War I: John J. Pershing
- World War II: Georgy Zhukov
- Vietnam War: Vo Nguyen Giap
- Vietnam War: William Westmoreland
Naval Biographies
Thoughout the ages wars and conflicts have been decided at sea. Here we look at those who have achieved great things upon the waves.
- Anglo-Spanish War: Sir Francis Drake
- Privateers & Pirates: Sir Henry Morgan
- Anglo-Dutch Wars: Michiel de Ruyter
- Napoleonic Wars: William Bligh
- Napoleonic Wars: Lord Horatio Nelson
- War of 1812: Stephen Decatur
- American Civil War: David G. Farragut
- World War II: Isoroku Yamamoto
Air Force Biographies
The youngest of the service branches, air forces have played a key role in wars since the early 20th century. In that time many individuals have distinguished themselves in the air.
- World War I: Raoul Lufbery
- World War I: Eddie Rickenbacker
- World War II: Arthur "Bomber" Harris
- World War II/Cold War: Curtis LeMay
Home Front & Industrial Mobilization
While wars and battles take place on the battlefield, the armed forces are supported by a vast array of resources at home. Here we examine life on the home front and the industrial mobilization needed to support the troops in the field.
