American Coastal Defenses 1885–1950
American Coastal Defenses 1885–1950

Author: Terrance McGovern

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-06-20

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 1849080437

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the late-19th century, with the advances in technology and the increase in America's economic stature, a new round of fortification building began in the United States and its overseas territories. Locations such as Portland, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Charlestown, Savannah, Key West, Los Angeles and San Francisco were all extensively fortified. This book provides a concise introduction to the design, development and purpose of American coastal defenses in the "modern" era (1885–1950), a period defined by the use of concrete, steel, and powerful breech-loading rifles. It covers the emplacements, weaponry, equipment, and people that defended their country in times of great change and uncertainty.

American Coastal Defenses 1885–1950
American Coastal Defenses 1885–1950

Author: Terrance McGovern

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-06-20

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13: 1782000615

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the late-19th century, with the advances in technology and the increase in America's economic stature, a new round of fortification building began in the United States and its overseas territories. Locations such as Portland, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Charlestown, Savannah, Key West, Los Angeles and San Francisco were all extensively fortified. This book provides a concise introduction to the design, development and purpose of American coastal defenses in the "modern" era (1885–1950), a period defined by the use of concrete, steel, and powerful breech-loading rifles. It covers the emplacements, weaponry, equipment, and people that defended their country in times of great change and uncertainty.

Defenses of Pearl Harbor and Oahu 1907–50
Defenses of Pearl Harbor and Oahu 1907–50

Author: Glen Williford

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-01-20

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 1472800621

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

At the beginning of the 20th century, the military importance of the Hawaiian Islands became clear. Oahu in particular was a key bastion in projecting America's military power in the Pacific. The island was turned into a military fortress and yet it also became the site of one of America's greatest defensive failures, the Japanese attack of December 7, 1941. By the end of World War II, the harbor itself was the most heavily defended in the world, and the island had earned the sobriquet "Fortress Oahu". This title documents the development of the coastal, air and land defense systems that served to protect Pearl Harbor and Honolulu from 1907 to 1950, and seeks to understand why these failed at a critical point.

Seacoast Fortifications of the United States
Seacoast Fortifications of the United States

Author: Emanuel Raymond Lewis

Publisher: US Naval Institute Press

Published: 1993

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781557505026

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The only work available on the history of U.S. coastal defenses, including their armament and architecture. It will appeal to fort visitors and naval history buffs as well as to those interested in artillery and military architecture.

American Defenses of Corregidor and Manila Bay 1898–1945
American Defenses of Corregidor and Manila Bay 1898–1945

Author: Mark Berhow

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-09-20

Total Pages: 135

ISBN-13: 1782004351

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Philippines were declared an American Territory on January 4, 1899, and fortification construction soon began on the islands in the mouth of Manila Bay. Among the sites built were Fort Mills (Corregidor), Fort Frank, and the formidable "concrete battleship" of Fort Drum. The defenses suffered constant Japanese bombardment during World War II, leading to the surrender of American forces. In 1945 the forts were manned by Japanese soldiers determined to hold out to the bitter end. This title details the fortifications of this key strategic location, and considers both their effectiveness and historical importance.

US Strategic and Defensive Missile Systems 1950–2004
US Strategic and Defensive Missile Systems 1950–2004

Author: Mark Berhow

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-09-20

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 1849080356

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

For 40 years following the end of World War II, the Western democratic governments and the Eastern Bloc Communist powers were locked in the ideological, political, and economic struggle of the Cold War. The United States and the Soviet Union developed missile systems capable of delivering conventional and nuclear explosives against enemy massed bomber formations in the air, and of delivering retaliatory nuclear payloads against ground targets located on distant continents. The missile systems played both a defensive role, and a potential offensive role, which was parlayed to the public as deterrence against attack by the rival bloc. This title provides a detailed overview of the fixed-launch-site strategic missile systems of the United States.

Defenses of Bermuda 1612–1995
Defenses of Bermuda 1612–1995

Author: Terrance McGovern

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2018-02-22

Total Pages: 67

ISBN-13: 1472825993

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Due to its location in the western North Atlantic some 600 miles off the Carolinas and halfway between Halifax in Canada and Jamaica in the West Indies, the island of Bermuda was a key naval haven for the Royal Navy over the centuries. It was vital for the Navy first in the development of its American colonies, then during its rivalry with the United States, and finally as allies with the United States. The need to defend its 64 miles of coastline and ports has resulted in the construction of about 50 forts from 1617 to 1945 even though its total land mass is only 20.6 square miles. This led to an incredible concentration of fortifications with 2.5 forts for every square mile. Today, the legacy of these defence efforts remain either as disused structures or parks scattered throughout Bermuda, many of them now popular tourist attractions. Using stunning commissioned artwork and meticulous research, this is the fascinating story of Britain's “Gibraltar of the West”.