Daily Lives of Civilians in Wartime Europe, 1618-1900

From the start of the Thirty Years' War in 1618 through the end of the 19th century, combat shaped the daily life of European civilians. This book explores the effects of war on the everyday life of civilians during that era. Included are chapters on the Thirty Years' War, the wars of 1648 through 1789, the wars of the French Revolution, the Napoleonic wars, and the battles which took place from 1815 through 1900. Each chapter is written by an expert contributor and cites works for further reading.From the start of the Thirty Years' War in 1618 through the close of the 19th century, Europe was plagued with military conflicts. While soldiers were the most obvious participants and casualties of these wars, civilians were also affected. This book explores the impact of warfare on the daily life of European civilians from 1618 through 1900.The volume begins with a look at the effects of the Thirty Years' War, one of the most devastating and brutal in European history. It then examines the conflicts which took place between 1648 and the French Revolution of 1789. From there the book looks at daily life during the wars of the French Revolution. It then considers daily life during the Napoleonic wars, while a final chapter discusses the period from 1815 to 1900. Each chapter is written by an expert contributor and suggests works for further reading.

"In addition to their introductory overview, the editors (professors of history at the U. of Montana and Kansas State U.) present five chapters documenting civilian experiences of war in Europe, sequentially covering the Thirty Years War of 1618-1648, Early Modern Europe of 1648-1789, the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Modern Europe of 1815-1900. The essays describe the effects of plundering and looting by armies, the creation of refugee populations, war-related hunger and disease, the unleashing of conscious terror by contending forces, conscription and its impacts, and even cultural consequences of war." - Reference & Research Book News, "...will be of great use to undergraduates, but there is enough for the specialist as well." - European History Quarterly

Linda S. Frey is Professor of History at the University of Montana.Marsha L. Frey is Professor of History at Kansas State University.