Students to Soldiers: Secret Military Education at Elite Schools, 1815-1945 - Paperback
by John F. Morris (Author)
An expansive study of the brutal rites of initiation at elite institutions that shaped young men into military leaders
Informed by his own experience as a cadet at West Point, John Morris offers the first transnational history of student life at elite military preparatory institutions in Europe and America and the unofficial, underground rituals, practices, and codes that formed a crucial part of the education there. Comparing British public schools, the monarchical cadet schools in Imperial Germany, Austria, and Russia, and the US Military Academy over the course of the nineteenth and into the twentieth century and the world wars, Morris presents critical insights on the unsanctioned methods employed to transform young students into leaders of men. Extracurricular traditions--including but not limited to severe hazing--Morris argues, shaped the officers-in-training much more than their official courses of study. He also shows how romantic and sexual relations between boys facilitated the cultivation of hypermasculinity at these institutions. Students to Soldiers offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the budding military elites of Europe and America, both unpacking the arcane rituals that eventually became codified into honored traditions and analyzing their influence over the long term.John F. Morris is a lieutenant colonel in the US Army and Special Advisor to NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.
Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.
Made with care and unconditionally loved by our customers, this signature bestseller exceeds all expectations.
At the heart of every product lies a unique story, driven by our passion for quality and innovation. Each item enhances your everyday life and sparks joy.