Key battles have shaped the course of world history since time immmemorial. This reference spotlights 100 of the most important military confrontations from 1469 BC to 1991 AD, offering information on the historical context of the conflict, the countries involved and the outcome.

What if the Saxons had triumphed over the Normans at the Battle of Hastings? If Washington had lost the Battle of Trenton? If Lee had won at Gettysburg? If the Germans had held the Allies at bay in Normandy? The world would certainly be a very different place today. Key battles have shaped the course of world history since time immmemorial. This reference spotlights 100 of the most important military confrontations from 1469 BC to 1991 AD, offering information on the historical context of the conflict, the countries involved and the their goals. It describes each battle plan, the ensuing confrontation and the victors, plus details of the commanders, the size of their forces and their casualties. The text finally discusses how history was affected by each outcome.