Primary Sources - United States: Military

This reference traces key decisions in U.S. military history--from the Revolutionary War through the 21st-century conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq--by examining documents relating to military strategy and national policy judgments by U.S. military and political leaders.

Vivid accounts of America's war in the Philippine Islands in the early 20th century, using unpublished diaries, letters, photographs, and the writings of war correspondent John T. McCutcheon. It focuses on the harsh experiences of American soldiers, sailors, and marines who fought not only Filipino revolutionaries but also tropical weather, jungle conditions, and deadly diseases. Their personal writings—including poems and songs—offer insight into the thoughts, fears, and resilience of men serving far from home. The narrative also traces the origins of the conflict, from Emilio Aguinaldo’s leadership of the Filipino independence movement to the U.S. betrayal of its promise of independence.