In the late-19th century, with the advances in technology and the increase in America's economic stature, a new round of fortification building began in the United States and its overseas territories. Locations such as Portland, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Charlestown, Savannah, Key West, Los Angeles and San Francisco were all extensively fortified. This book provides a concise introduction to the design, development and purpose of American coastal defenses in the "modern" era (1885–1950), a period defined by the use of concrete, steel, and powerful breech-loading rifles. It covers the emplacements, weaponry, equipment, and people that defended their country in times of great change and uncertainty.

In the late-19th century, with the advances in technology and the increase in America's economic stature, a new round of fortification building began in the United States and its overseas territories. Locations such as Portland, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Charlestown, Savannah, Key West, Los Angeles and San Francisco were all extensively fortified. This book provides a concise introduction to the design, development and purpose of American coastal defenses in the "modern" era (1885–1950), a period defined by the use of concrete, steel, and powerful breech-loading rifles. It covers the emplacements, weaponry, equipment, and people that defended their country in times of great change and uncertainty.

The Philippines were declared an American Territory on January 4, 1899, and fortification construction soon began on the islands in the mouth of Manila Bay. Among the sites built were Fort Mills (Corregidor), Fort Frank, and the formidable "concrete battleship" of Fort Drum. The defenses suffered constant Japanese bombardment during World War II, leading to the surrender of American forces. In 1945 the forts were manned by Japanese soldiers determined to hold out to the bitter end. This title details the fortifications of this key strategic location, and considers both their effectiveness and historical importance.

The only work available on the history of U.S. coastal defenses, including their armament and architecture. It will appeal to fort visitors and naval history buffs as well as to those interested in artillery and military architecture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the military importance of the Hawaiian Islands became clear. Oahu in particular was a key bastion in projecting America's military power in the Pacific. The island was turned into a military fortress and yet it also became the site of one of America's greatest defensive failures, the Japanese attack of December 7, 1941. By the end of World War II, the harbor itself was the most heavily defended in the world, and the island had earned the sobriquet "Fortress Oahu". This title documents the development of the coastal, air and land defense systems that served to protect Pearl Harbor and Honolulu from 1907 to 1950, and seeks to understand why these failed at a critical point.

The Delaware Bay at War! The Coastal Defenses of the Delaware Bay during World War II The defense of America's seacoast has been one of the key concerns since the earliest years of the Republic. American coast defense steadily evolved through the age of muzzle loading cannon, ever larger breech loading weapons, and finally the culmination of the large, long range guns capable of targeting the largest and most heavily armed warships of their age. By the end of World War Two, the United States had some of the strongest coast defenses in the world. Given the importance of the military-industrial complex along the banks of the Delaware River, including the large Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and explosive factories of the E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, the defense of the Delaware River had a prominent role in America's military planning from the American Revolution to the end of World War Two. This book tells the story of the American coastal defenses of the Delaware Bay during World War Two. While the Delaware River has been defended and fought over since colonial times, in the years approaching the World War Two its defenses were either obsolete or lacking. Starting in 1930's the US Army and Navy developed plans for new defenses at the Delaware Capes which led to an intense construction and manning period from 1941 to 1944. While assaulted by German U-Boats, the surface attacks did not reach Delaware Bay so after 1944 the soldiers and sailors manning these defenses were mobilized overseas. By 1946 most of these defenses were abandoned, although new Cold War defenses in the coming years used this infrastructure to defend the United States against new threats. Over one hundred rare black & white US Army photographs and plans help document our nation's extensive effort to defend against possible naval attacks and raids from Nazi Germany. A collection of over 50 recent color photographs are also included allowing the reader to survey the surviving elements of these mighty defenses. A product of extensive research, this book brings together for the first time rare images and the little known military history of the Delaware Bay.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the military importance of the Hawaiian Islands became clear. Oahu in particular was a key bastion in projecting America's military power in the Pacific. The island was turned into a military fortress and yet it also became the site of one of America's greatest defensive failures, the Japanese attack of December 7, 1941. By the end of World War II, the harbor itself was the most heavily defended in the world, and the island had earned the sobriquet "Fortress Oahu". This title documents the development of the coastal, air and land defense systems that served to protect Pearl Harbor and Honolulu from 1907 to 1950, and seeks to understand why these failed at a critical point.

"A comprehensive account of North American fortifications and defense structures from colonial times to the twentieth century, supplemented by scores of remarkable photographs, technical drawings, maps, and diagrams." -- book jacket.