Popular versus Academic Military History

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By Staff Writer of Open Chronicle

Overview

Military history enjoys immense popularity among the general public, yet it remains marginalized within academia. While many books and media productions cater to popular audiences, academic military history struggles for recognition within university history departments. The divide between popular and scholarly military history has long been a subject of debate, with scholars advocating for a more rigorous and integrated approach to the discipline.

The Divide Between Popular and Academic Military History

William H. McNeill highlights this divide, noting that military history exists in an “intellectual ghetto” due to its separation from mainstream academic study. He identifies two primary categories of military history publications: works intended for general readership, often written by journalists and independent authors, and professional studies produced primarily within military institutions. McNeill also emphasizes that academic historians often exhibit a “lack of interest and disdain” toward military history, making it one of the most neglected subfields within the broader historical profession.

This division can be attributed to several factors:

• Perceived Narrow Focus: Many academics view military history as overly focused on battles, strategy, and tactics rather than broader socio-political contexts.
• Association with Nationalism and Militarism: Some scholars worry that military history can be used to glorify war rather than critically analyze its consequences.
• Preference for Social and Cultural Approaches: Many historians prioritize themes such as race, gender, and economic structures over military events, viewing these as more central to historical development.

The Role of Military History in Academia

Despite its marginalized status, military history remains a popular subject among university students. Courses on military history, especially those incorporating films and interactive media, draw significant enrollment. Eugene P. A. Scleh, a historian at the University of Maine, explored the use of film in teaching military history, noting that students found documentary films more educational than dramatized versions of war stories.

However, military historians frequently express frustration over their discipline’s lack of prominence in major history departments. Some efforts have been made to reintegrate military history into mainstream historical studies by adopting interdisciplinary approaches that consider cultural, social, and political factors influencing military events.

The Role of the Society for Military History

The Society for Military History (SMH) plays a crucial role in advancing scholarly military history. Established in 1937, the organization publishes The Journal of Military History, which features scholarly articles, book reviews, and comprehensive bibliographies of new research. The society has over 2,300 members, hosts annual conventions, and grants awards for outstanding contributions to the field. By fostering academic discourse and providing platforms for professional military historians, the SMH helps counteract the marginalization of military history in academia.

Future Prospects for Military History

While academic resistance to military history persists, there are signs of progress:

• Interdisciplinary Approaches: By integrating military history with cultural, social, and political history, scholars can demonstrate its relevance to broader historical narratives.
• Public Interest and Media Influence: Popular military history remains a best-selling genre, with television documentaries, movies, and historical fiction keeping the subject in the public consciousness.
• Expanding Academic Opportunities: Some universities are expanding their military history programs, recognizing the importance of understanding conflict in a historical context.

Conclusion

The divide between popular and academic military history remains a challenge, but efforts by organizations such as the Society for Military History and dedicated scholars suggest a growing recognition of its importance. Bridging this gap will require a balance between public engagement and scholarly rigor, ensuring that military history receives the academic recognition it deserves while continuing to captivate and educate a broad audience.

References

1. McNeill, William H. The Pursuit of Power: Technology, Armed Force, and Society since A.D. 1000. University of Chicago Press, 1982.
2. Scleh, Eugene P. A. “Modern War and Its Images: Teaching Military History Through Film.” Journal of Military History, vol. 65, no. 4, 2001, pp. 987–1005.
3. Society for Military History. “About the SMH.” www.smh-hq.org.