The Philippine War, 1899 1902

A study of the often misunderstood Philippine War. From the pitched battles of the early war to the final campaigns against guerrillas, it traces the entire course of the war. The text is grounded in original documents, including the letters and diaries of soldiers from both sides. A study of the often misunderstood Philippine War, which took place between 1899 and 1902. From the pitched battles of the early war to the final campaigns against guerrillas, it traces the entire course of the war, one of the most controversial events in American history. The text is grounded in original documents, including the letters and diaries of soldiers from both sides.

Focusing purely on the military aspects of the war, Linn (history, Texas A&M U.) argues that previous studies of the war have mischaracterized it as having qualities which can only be ascribed to the final few campaigns (i.e. concentration camps, American brutality and torture, and one officer's threat to turn the Philippines into a "howling wilderness"). Reviewing the fighting in every Filipino province, he finds that the American victory was due more to rebel mistakes and American "social reform" than to overwhelming American military force. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)