Hillsdale College Center for Military History and Strategy Hosts Talk on the Historical Impact of Weapons
Paul Lockhart of Wright State University spoke on “Why Historians Ignore Weapons — And Why They Shouldn’t.”
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College’s Center for Military History and Strategy hosted Paul Lockhart of Wright State University on Jan. 23 for a lecture titled “Why Historians Ignore Weapons—And Why they Shouldn’t.” Lockhart discussed the role of weapons in military history.
“Understanding war is essential to understanding history,” said Professor of History David Stewart. “Despite their importance, weapons often get neglected in this study. Dr. Lockhart has done fascinating research on this topic, and it was a pleasure to host him.”
Lockhart argued that both historians and the public typically focus on theoretical or statistical evaluations of weapons, rather than how they functioned in the real world. As a consequence, he argued, we significantly misunderstand the course and outcomes of wars. He gave the examples of the long rifle in the American Revolution, rifled muskets in the American Civil War, and poison gas and machine guns in World War I.
Lockhart is a professor of history at Wright State University, where he founded undergraduate and graduate programs in the History of War and Society. He received his Ph.D. in military history and early modern European history from Purdue University. Lockhart is the author of seven books, including two on the military history of the American Revolution and four on Scandinavian history during the 16th and 17th centuries. His most recent book is “Firepower: How Weapons Shaped Warfare.”
- Photos from the lecture
- Photos from previous events by the Center for Military History and Strategy
- Photos of Hillsdale College
- High-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo
About the Center for Military History and Strategy
The Center for Military History and Grand Strategy (CMHS) studies warfare from all times and places to better our comprehension and military readiness. Its focus lies in academic research that joins military history with insights from strategic thinkers throughout history. By providing an education in the study of war and strategy, the CMHS strives to prepare scholars, officers, and policymakers to preserve those “inestimable blessings” of liberty in a world that continues to ignore the lessons of the past. For more information, visit warhistory.hillsdale.edu.