The German Way of War

The German Way of War examines the development of German military doctrine and strategy from the rise of Prussia to the end of World War II. Citino analyzes how geography, history, and culture shaped a distinct German approach to warfare across multiple centuries. The book tracks the evolution of German military thinking through key battles, campaigns, and military reforms. It focuses on operational warfare and the German preference for movement, encirclement, and rapid decisive victory. Military professionals and historians play central roles in the narrative as Citino examines their writings, decisions, and influence on doctrine. The text incorporates extensive research from German-language sources and military archives. The work reveals how institutional memory and deeply ingrained strategic culture can persist across generations, shaping military decision-making in both success and failure. This study of German operational art offers insights into the relationship between military doctrine and national character.

Readers appreciate Citino's clear explanation of German military doctrine and operational art from 1648-1945. They note his effective use of specific battles and campaigns as case studies. Positive points: - Makes complex military concepts accessible to non-experts - Strong analysis of how geography shaped German strategy - Detailed maps and battle diagrams - Thorough research and documentation Common criticisms: - Too much focus on operational level, less on tactics/strategy - Some readers found the writing dry and academic - Limited coverage of logistics and economic factors - Could use more discussion of naval warfare Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (209 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (98 ratings) Representative review: "Citino explains why the Germans fought the way they did - their obsession with maneuver, flanking movements, and rapid decisive battles. The book connects centuries of military thought into a coherent narrative." - Amazon reviewer

On War by Carl von Clausewitz This foundational text examines Prussian military theory and presents the concepts that influenced German military thinking through World War II.

Death of the Wehrmacht: The German Campaigns of 1942 by Robert M. Citino This companion volume focuses on the operational methods of the German army during the pivotal year of 1942 and the breakdown of traditional German military doctrine.

The Blitzkrieg Legend by Karl-Heinz Frieser This analysis of the 1940 campaign in France deconstructs the myths about German operational doctrine and reveals the actual mechanics of early Wehrmacht success.

Fighting Power: German and U.S. Army Performance, 1939-1945 by Martin van Creveld This comparative study examines the institutional and doctrinal differences between the German and American armies during World War II.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer This comprehensive examination of Nazi Germany includes detailed analysis of German military traditions and their implementation under Hitler's regime.

🔹 The book challenges the common belief that German military tactics were primarily about "blitzkrieg," showing instead that their approach evolved from centuries of fighting against numerically superior enemies. 🔹 Robert M. Citino served as the Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, bringing decades of military history expertise to this work. 🔹 The concept of "Bewegungskrieg" (war of movement) discussed in the book dates back to Frederick the Great in the 18th century and remained central to German military thinking through both World Wars. 🔹 The German army's emphasis on rapid, decisive campaigns was partly born from necessity - Prussia/Germany's central European location meant they often faced the threat of fighting on multiple fronts. 🔹 The book reveals how the Prussian/German military's preferred strategy of quick victories ultimately proved catastrophic in both World Wars, as they were unable to adapt when rapid victories proved impossible.