The Routledge Handbook of American Military and Diplomatic History provides a comprehensive analysis of the major events, conflicts, and personalities that have defined and shaped the military history of the United States. This volume, The Colonial Period to 1877, illuminates the early period of American history, from the colonial warfare of the 17th century through the tribulations of Reconstruction.

The chronologically organized sections each begin with an introductory chapter that provides a concise narrative of the period and highlights the scholarly debates and interpretive schools of thought in the historiography, followed by topical chapters on issues in the period. Topics covered include colonial encounters and warfare, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, diplomacy in the early American republic, the War of 1812, westward expansion and conquest, the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.

With authoritative and vividly written chapters by both leading scholars and new talent, this state-of-the-field handbook will be a go-to reference for every American history scholar's bookshelf.

"This volume of the Routledge Handbook of American Military & Diplomatic History offers scholars and general readers alike a chance to consider essential perspectives on a broad range of topics.Thompson and Frentzos provide both an overview of previous work and some surprisingly fresh perspectives on a large number of military and diplomatic topics.Interesting patterns emerge as both established and rising scholars treat over 200 years of American military and diplomatic history."-Sarah J. Purcell, author of Sealed with Blood: War, Sacrifice, and Memory in Revolutionary America "Combining historiographical overviews by leading scholars and original essays by both established and up-and-coming historians, the Handbook is an indispensible resource for anyone in the business of teaching or writing early American military history.Anyone interested in America's military past, however, will find this well-edited collection accessible and fascinating."-John W. Hall, author of Uncommon Defense: Indian Allies in the Black Hawk War "As is the case with most Routledge handbooks, this one shows the usual editorial quality and attention to detail. This outstanding collection of essays is certainly a worthy counterpart to the already published second volume of this valuable set. Summing Up: Highly recommended." -E. A. Goedeken, Iowa State University in CHOICE