Founded in 1682 by a society that had no military, eschewed violence as a means of solving conflicts, and tolerated a wide variety of religions, Pennsylvania began as a "peaceable kingdom" -- but war was essential to both Pennsylvania's founding and its history. Pennsylvania was the site of some of the most important military events in American history, including the destruction of the Braddock Expedition, the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, Valley Forge, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the Battle of Gettysburg. Pennsylvania was also a leader in America's modern wars, with the Pennsylvania-based 28th Infantry Division serving with distinction in both world wars as well as in Iraq, and the state's industry, particularly steel production and ship building, being essential to the national effort. Complete with a list of historical sites. -- Publisher's description.

1. Before Pennsylvania -- 2. Pennsylvania's early defense policy, 1682-1730 -- 3. Wars in Pennsylvania, 1731-1748 -- 4. Pennsylvania in the French and Indian Wars, 1748-1766 -- 5. Pennsylvania in the American Revolution, 1765-1783 -- 6. Securing Pennsylvania's sovereignty, 1768-1805 -- 7. Pennsylvania in the War of 1812 and U.S.-Mexican War -- 8. Pennsylvania's War for the Union, 1861-1863 -- 9. Pennsylvania's fight to win the Civil War, 1862-1865 -- 10. Pennsylvania and the birth of a world power -- 11. Pennsylvania in the first war to end all wars -- 12. Pennsylvania in World War II: total mobilization for total victory -- 13. The wars that ended no war: Pennsylvania military history after World War II.