Prelude to Blitzkrieg

The 1916 Austro-German Campaign in Romania

Nonfiction, History, Military, World War I, Germany
Cover of the book Prelude to Blitzkrieg by Michael B. Barrett, Indiana University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael B. Barrett ISBN: 9780253008701
Publisher: Indiana University Press Publication: October 23, 2013
Imprint: Indiana University Press Language: English
Author: Michael B. Barrett
ISBN: 9780253008701
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Publication: October 23, 2013
Imprint: Indiana University Press
Language: English

An authoritative study of World War I’s often-overlooked Romanian front.

In contrast to the trench-war deadlock on the Western Front, combat in Romania and Transylvania in 1916 foreshadowed the lightning warfare of World War II. When Romania joined the Allies and invaded Transylvania without warning, the Germans responded by unleashing a campaign of bold, rapid infantry movements, with cavalry providing cover or pursuing the crushed foe. Hitting where least expected and advancing before the Romanians could react―even bombing their capital from a Zeppelin soon after war was declared―the Germans and Austrians poured over the formidable Transylvanian Alps onto the plains of Walachia, rolling up the Romanian army from west to east, and driving the shattered remnants into Russia. Prelude to Blitzkrieg tells the story of this largely ignored campaign to determine why it did not devolve into the mud and misery of trench warfare, so ubiquitous elsewhere.

“This work will stand as the definitive study of the Central Powers part of the campaign for some time to come.” —Journal of Military History

“Barnett’s book is a valuable addition to the field. He writes well and with authority. He has been able to illuminate a little-known corner of the First World War and provide a state-of-the-art operational history combining detailed narrative with prescient analysis.” —American Historical Review

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

An authoritative study of World War I’s often-overlooked Romanian front.

In contrast to the trench-war deadlock on the Western Front, combat in Romania and Transylvania in 1916 foreshadowed the lightning warfare of World War II. When Romania joined the Allies and invaded Transylvania without warning, the Germans responded by unleashing a campaign of bold, rapid infantry movements, with cavalry providing cover or pursuing the crushed foe. Hitting where least expected and advancing before the Romanians could react―even bombing their capital from a Zeppelin soon after war was declared―the Germans and Austrians poured over the formidable Transylvanian Alps onto the plains of Walachia, rolling up the Romanian army from west to east, and driving the shattered remnants into Russia. Prelude to Blitzkrieg tells the story of this largely ignored campaign to determine why it did not devolve into the mud and misery of trench warfare, so ubiquitous elsewhere.

“This work will stand as the definitive study of the Central Powers part of the campaign for some time to come.” —Journal of Military History

“Barnett’s book is a valuable addition to the field. He writes well and with authority. He has been able to illuminate a little-known corner of the First World War and provide a state-of-the-art operational history combining detailed narrative with prescient analysis.” —American Historical Review

More books from Indiana University Press

Cover of the book Ponderings II–VI by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Singing Games in Early Modern Italy by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book The Year's Work in Nerds, Wonks, and Neocons by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Media in Postapartheid South Africa by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Shifting Sands by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Indianapolis by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Modern Afghanistan by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Connected Science by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book 1915 Diary of S. An-sky by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book A Prophetic Peace by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Oliver Mtukudzi by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Cultures of Vision by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book A Dance of Assassins by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Making Music in the Polish Tatras by Michael B. Barrett
Cover of the book Martin Buber's Theopolitics by Michael B. Barrett
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy