War Tactics: Land

The book analyzes how mass conscription revolutionized battlefield tactics and forced the evolution of officer corps. It contrasts the merit-based French promotion system with the traditional British system of patronage, demonstrating how each nation adapted to the demands of war. By examining the political and social context of the French Revolution, the book elucidates how these factors influenced military developments. Ultimately, War Tactics: Land demonstrates how the era's changes redefined military thinking and practices.

The narrative progresses from an introduction of the French and British military systems to an examination of tactical innovations and transformations within the officer corps. Later chapters trace the British tactical evolution in response to French challenges, culminating in an assessment of the long-term impact of these changes on military doctrine. This offers a comparative analysis of the French and British military systems, providing a nuanced understanding of the factors that shaped warfare during this pivotal period of military history.