The Importance of Military History

The Importance of Military History

Why the study of military history is relevant today

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library believes that to better support and understand the issues of the servicemember and veteran community is to have a firm grasp of military history and affairs. In addition to advancing a greater understanding of military history, the Museum & Library also works towards increasing the public’s awareness of the sacrifices made by men and women who serve, in the belief of understanding that sacrifice is appropriate - but also because only a citizenry so informed can exercise adequately the Clausewitzian dictum of civilian oversight and control of the military. This theme of the citizen soldier is something the Museum & Library holds very near and dear.

The citizen soldier has been a linchpin of the foundation of the American military since well before this nations’ founding, and today more than ever we rely on citizen soldiers to serve in the armed forces on behalf of that nation. Adopting many of the traditions of the British army, the young American nation of the post-Revolution era came to rely on its citizen soldiers, not only to defend the nation when called upon, but as in the case of General Washington, to serve the nation as leaders in war and in peace.

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library looks to further educate researchers, visitors, and our community at large about the sacrifice that citizen soldiers have made throughout this country’s history - from the colonists who took up arms, to the young men and women of today who serve across the globe.