This dissertation examines the practice of writing military history in conjunction with
military theory. It shows that in the pursuit of establishing military theory, military
history is often actively distorted and manipulated by military theorists. Those military
theorists who, consciously or subconsciously, succumb to this practice are identified here
as "theorist-historians". The effect of this manipulation, its implications and
consequences for the field of study as a whole are examined, as is the didactic nature of
military history in the light of historical accuracy. In conclusion the role and effect of the
military theorist~historians are evaluated against those of purely academic historians. The
unique didactic needs of military history are also highlighted.
Two twentieth century British military theorists, B. H. Liddell Hart and J. F. C. Fuller,
were chosen as being representative of the military theorist-historian group. / Political Science / M.A. (International Politics)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/860 |
| Date | 01 January 2002 |
| Creators | Whittle, Marius Gerard Anthony |
| Contributors | Fourie, Deon Francois Schonland |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Dissertation |
| Format | 1 online resource (vii, 162 leaves) |
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