One of Weigley's most widely received contributions to research is his hypothesis of a specifically American Way of War, i.e. an approach to strategy and military operations, that, while not predetermined, is distinct to the United States because of cultural and historical constraints.

[1][failed verification] He graduated from Albright College in 1952, attended the University of Pennsylvania for his master's degree and doctorate, and wrote his dissertation under Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Roy F. Nichols.

[2] The school considered him the heart and soul of the history department, and at one point he had over 30 PhD candidates working under him concurrently.

In recognition of his scholarly achievements, Weigley was named Distinguished University Professor at Temple in 1985.

[7] He was survived by his wife of 40 years, Emma Seifrit Weigley (1933–2020), his son Jared, and his daughter Catherine.