Michael G. Stroud

An analysis and breakdown of Napoleon's first major battle, the Siege of Toulon.

"Spies were used by both the British and Americans during the latter's war for independence. However, it was the Americans who proved more effective."

"Byzantium demonstrated extreme resilience and ingenuity in its time as an empire, surviving vast natural disasters, plagues, incessant wars, political upheaval, and devastating defeats, such as Manzikert in 1071. This book posits how Byzantium’s fate was sealed, and its collapse assured by the twelfth century, not due to a single battle or event, but rather several catastrophic strategic failures. This book explores how the exigent and costly wars of Emperor Justinian I (482-565) and the… Show more

"Byzantium demonstrated extreme resilience and ingenuity in its time as an empire, surviving vast natural disasters, plagues, incessant wars, political upheaval, and devastating defeats, such as Manzikert in 1071. This book posits how Byzantium’s fate was sealed, and its collapse assured by the twelfth century, not due to a single battle or event, but rather several catastrophic strategic failures. This book explores how the exigent and costly wars of Emperor Justinian I (482-565) and the empire’s shortsightedness in recognizing and adjusting to the meteoric rise and threat of Islamic armies would lead to the inevitable downfall of the Byzantine Empire by 1100." Show less

…”Byzantine leadership failed to grasp the long-term impact of two critical challenges: the extensive wars and building programmes of expansion by Justinian I (482-565) and the unchecked rise of Islamic armies.”

“It had taken two battles, near constant artillery bombardment and massive airpower, but the com- bined forces of the Democratic Republic of Afghan- istan (DRA) and Soviet Union were finally poised to take the key Mujahideen logistics base at Zhawar on a relatively cool April 19, 1986. The Mujahideen had masterfully utilized local topography to carve out their base of operations against the communist
DRA and its Soviet backers, and Zhawar had become a key strategic objective as both sides… Show more

“It had taken two battles, near constant artillery bombardment and massive airpower, but the com- bined forces of the Democratic Republic of Afghan- istan (DRA) and Soviet Union were finally poised to take the key Mujahideen logistics base at Zhawar on a relatively cool April 19, 1986. The Mujahideen had masterfully utilized local topography to carve out their base of operations against the communist
DRA and its Soviet backers, and Zhawar had become a key strategic objective as both sides fought for control of Afghanistan amid the 1979–89 Soviet-Afghan War.” Show less

The strategic island of Mackinac was a valuable prize to both the Americans and the British in the War of 1812. This article delves into its strategic value and the two battles that were fought for its control in the War of 1812.

The coming of the French Revolution and its ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity, presented an opportunity for Napoleon to act as lawgiver and to bind those ideals to that of the rule of law of which he would do with the Code Napoleon. It's impact on French society and its legacy to this day is discussed.

An engaging, informative, yet accessible accounting of both Battles of Mackinac Island and their impact on the War of 1812.

The first truly global war that spanned from the America's to far off India was not World War I but rather a conflict that began 158 years before. The Seven Years' War was the first world war or rather, World War Zero, and one that had far reaching consequences the world over.

The War of 1812 saw an unprepared young U.S. take on Great Britain for what some have deemed America's Second War of Independence. Early in this struggle, the strategically important Great Lakes, especially that of Mackinac Island became the center of not one, but two battles for this important site. This article analyzes both battles, what happened in both, and what were the strategic consequences for both sides.

Until the First Punic War, Rome was a land power. The Romans therefore stunned the Mediterranean world with their victory over the maritime power of Carthage. It was the classic Roman virtues of ingenuity, drive and ambition that proved key to unlocking naval supremacy. In turn, naval supremacy thereafter shaped Rome’s operational methods and strategic goals.

Why the emperor abandoned his trusted battlefield tactics, but delivered a crushing victory over Russia in 1807.

I was a contributing historian for Phil Gast's Civil War blog that discussed the use of balloons in the Civil War as well as their relevance today as it relates to the ongoing Chinese balloon situation as of 2/6/2023.

William Hitler: The little known story of the Fuhrer's nephew who joined the US Navy.

French policing under Napoleon Bonaparte (1796-1821) utilized various forces to not only maintain the peace and to enforce its laws, but to ensure compliance with edicts and proclamations. Policing and security in Napoleonic France and its territories was an evolved extension of governmental control to suppress and eliminate political dissent while enforcing Napoleon's mandates.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s contributions to the practice of war and his martial philosophy significantly impacted military theory for all time.

This study examines the implementation and successful use of combined arms combat at the Battle of Amiens as a template for success over the Central Powers during the Hundred Days Offensive.

The fall of the strategically important Fort Mackinac at the outbreak of the War of 1812 as well as the repulse of an American attempt to later retake it are analyzed as well as the lessons learned for modern warriors when basic military tenants are ignored or grossly overlooked.

An analysis the little known but pivotal battle of how UK Commonwealth troops, with US support, helped stop the Chinese First Phase Offensive in the Korean War.

During the time of the Breton War of Succession, as part of the wider One Hundred Years War, England and France were at each others throat to determine succession to the French throne. During this “war within a war”, a little known and little understood event took place that was literally a medieval championship of knights. Fought on March 26, 1351 AD is the fascinating story of what is referred to as the Combat of the Thirty. This article tells the fascinating story of the virtues and… Show more

During the time of the Breton War of Succession, as part of the wider One Hundred Years War, England and France were at each others throat to determine succession to the French throne. During this “war within a war”, a little known and little understood event took place that was literally a medieval championship of knights. Fought on March 26, 1351 AD is the fascinating story of what is referred to as the Combat of the Thirty. This article tells the fascinating story of the virtues and pageantry of medieval knighthood and how a select group of English and French knights met on a chosen field to determine who emerge the victor of a literal championship of knights. Show less

The little known and even less understood examination of the balloons of the Civil War and their place in the birth of multi-dimensional warfare in the U.S.

Frederick II of Prussia (1712-1786) would forever be an iconic commander and icon for his unlikely military successes as well as a misguided monarch for his failures.

The article discusses the influence of Byzantine and Islamic forces on Crusader fortifications during the Crusades. Additionally, it is explored as to how these influences further affected fortification development in Europe.

Popular culture has provided the world with the exploits of William Wallace as in the 1995 Mel Gibson film Braveheart and his band of rugged Scots in their struggle for freedom from the English in the late 13th century to early 14th century. It was, however the leadership, resolve and fortitude of its warrior-king Robert the Bruce that saw this struggle brought to fruition. This study examine the military prowess that Robert the Bruce utilized at the tactical level to overcome both the… Show more

Popular culture has provided the world with the exploits of William Wallace as in the 1995 Mel Gibson film Braveheart and his band of rugged Scots in their struggle for freedom from the English in the late 13th century to early 14th century. It was, however the leadership, resolve and fortitude of its warrior-king Robert the Bruce that saw this struggle brought to fruition. This study examine the military prowess that Robert the Bruce utilized at the tactical level to overcome both the numerical and more heavily armed English on the grounds near the stream of Bannockburn in 1314. Show less