Alexander Burns

Alexander Burns, an Assistant Professor of History at Franciscan University and author of "Infantry in Battle 1733-1783," dives into the evolution of combat from Marlborough to Napoleon. He discusses how 18th-century warfare transformed into chaotic confrontations, emphasizing the psychological shifts in soldiers and the rise of firearms. The conversation also covers Prussian military innovations, the blending of European strategies with American tactics during the Revolutionary War, and the ideological motivations that began to shape modern enlistment.

Dr. Alexander Burns, an Assistant Professor of History at Franciscan University, dives into the intricacies of 18th-century warfare and General Washington’s tactics. He discusses the challenges of the British soldiers' loyalties, the dynamic tension between officers and enlisted men, and the role of guerrilla warfare in the Revolutionary War. Burns also explores the mindset of American troops, the evolution of military strategies, and how historical insights can inform modern warfare. Along the way, he critiques the state of higher education and its impact on understanding military history.