The author discusses the genesis of the American military tradition, its growth, its champions and opponents, its effects on civilian life, its more significant or flamboyant manifestations, and its role in the history of the United States from the Revolution to the Civil War.

Prologue: first Bull Run and its meanings -- The confused heritage and its continuance -- The martial spirit -- The professionals: unpopularity -- The professionals: consolidation -- The amateurs: apathy and the militia -- The amateurs: enthusiastic volunteers -- Professionals and amateurs: a balanced view -- Politics and military affairs -- A southern military tradition? -- The American military ethos -- Epilogue: Bull Run and the aftermath.