Selecting Sources for Research in
Military History


As you think about your research topic in military history, you should take the following steps.

  1. Think about a general period, war, strategy, campaign, battle, unit, or individual you are interested in or would like to learn more about.

  2. For research subjects in U.S. military history, read the appropriate chapter(s) in Allan R. Millett and Peter Maslowski, For the Common Defense: A Military History of the United States of America, Revised and expanded edition, then consult the appropriate chapter bibliographies for specific source citations as well as the "Further Reading" section(s) in Major Problems in American Military History, edited by John Whiteclay Chambers, II and G. Kurt Piehler. (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1999)

  3. Consult the following reference works/bibliographies looking for specific references for sources on your chosen topic. TTU call numbers are provided for works in our library--these works will be mostly in the reference section of the library to the right of the desk in front of you when you enter.

    General Sources for Military History

    Recommended Reading Lists for U.S. Military History

    Maps for Study of Military History

    Military History by Time Period

    Contemporary Issues in National Security, Military Policy, and National Defense

Last updated on Decmber 5, 2008


Department of History
Tennessee Technological University
Box 5064
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3332
For comments or suggestions, contact preagan@tntech.edu

Return to History 336: American Military History page