Witness History Witness History

by StewartRoss (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1990

  $5.50

  This series examines the major historical topics through a mixture of narrative and analysis of the key issues involved. Each book is designed to introduce the reader to a wide range of contemporary sources and aims to encourage readers in the handling and assessment of original historical material. War In The Trenches examines the situation that developed on the Western Front between 1914-18, analyzing the causes of the military and political stalemate and describing the experiences of the troops in the trenches. Why did a military stalemate, lasting for four long years, develop on the Western Front during the First World War? This book gives a brief resume of the main events of the war and goes on to analyze in more detail the situation that developed in the West. How did the weaponry and equipment available encourage the development of a defensive strategy? What happened when the armies attacked? Were the right tactics used at battles such as the Somme? What were the alternatives? As the war went on, new inventions such as the tank began to play an important role and their contributions are assessed. The author also uses contemporary sources to give a vivid account of what trench warfare meant to the troops. Finally, he asks, why, given the conditions, the troops kept on fighting and he questions whether anyone coan be held responsible for the appalling losses. Photographs, maps and cartoons support the text. Stewart Ross taught history before becoming a freelance writer. He is the author of a number of children's history books, including several titles in the Witness History series.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1988

  $3.25

  This book forms part of the Wayland series Witness history which examines major historical topics through a mixture of narrative and analysis of the issues involved. Each book in the series is designed to introduce readers to a range of contemporary sources and aims to encourage them in the handling and assessment of original historical material. In this book, the author traces the development of the Russian Revolution (1914-24) from its early origins to the death of Lenin. He assesses the problems of imperial Russia, the growth of revolutionary movements and the strains of war that eventually led to the downfall of the Tsarist government. The rise to power of the Bolsheviks and the consolidation of their authority is analyzed. Finally, there is an assessment of the achievements of Lenin and the new order he established. The book includes biographies for leading figures involved in the revolution. There is a glossary, a list of important dates, a note of the sources used, a further reading list and an index. The text is supported with photographs, cartoons, posters and maps.