Lessons from Military History

Flashcards on Lessons from Military History

History

The record of man's steps and slips embracing every aspect of life.

Allan Nevin's Definition of History

History is any integrated narrative, description or analysis of past events or facts written in a spirit of critical inquiry for the whole truth.

Jomini

Recognized three kinds of military history: Pure version, Use of a campaign or battle to examine the principles of waging war, and Political-military history.

Clausewitz

Developed a theory of war through his book 'On War,' covering basic aspects of conflict between nations.

Fundamental Questions Addressed in Military History

Forms armies take, why armies fight, and how armies fight.

Jomini's

Principles of War are still taught diligently in most armies of the world.

Clausewitz's

Concepts on war & politics have helped shape national policies and lend credibility to war plans.

Mahan's

Concepts on sea power influenced naval strategies for over a century.

Sun Tzu's

Writings inspired Mao & the Chinese Revolutionary warfare more than 2500 years later and are studied and quoted even today.

History is Emotive

The great emotive strength of history has often exhibited the power to mould the nation psyche.

History is Educative

It is a composite of influences, environment, class struggle, excesses of leaders, wars, religious moves, a sequence of intrigues and aggressions and a story of noble causes.

History is Exploitative

Perhaps the most deadly character of history is that it can be abused by taking historical examples out of context.

History is a Paradox

The past is infinitely various, an inexhaustible storehouse of events from which we can prove anything or it's contrary.

History is Science

Marx and Engles define history as a science where economic forces are dominant in people interaction and in countries relations with each other.

Personal Considerations and Feelings (Pitfalls of History)

Realize how greatly the causation of events on which the fate of nations depends is ruled, not by balanced judgment, but by momentary feelings as well as personal considerations.

Delusions from Adulteration of History

The delusions arise from the adulteration of history which has resulted from unwillingness of even good people to admit the truth when it was disturbing to them is the most dangerous one.

Path of Truth

To see clearly and analyse scientifically requires freedom from prejudice, combined with the power of discernment and a sense of proportion.

History

Illustrates issues but does not provide solutions; historical experience doesn't guarantee success.

History helps in understanding human capabilities and limitations

Can help one gauge human capabilities and limitations while offering guidelines on how to make the best use of both.

Clausewitz

Defines war as a magnet suspended between three poles: the people, the government, and the military.

Military History

Providing valuable insights into every area of human conflict and the interplay of politics, military, economics as well as lessons in application of strategy, doctrine and tactics.

Wars and Society

Wars are a product of society and are shaped by it. They shape the morals and ethics of the society, changing behavior, social norms and trends.

Churchill

At times his eloquence, like Churchill’s, may be worth a thousand regiments.

Napoleon

His foresight in strategy and tactics, like Napoleon’s, may win battles and campaigns and establish states.

Prophet Mohammad

If he is a prophet like Mohammad, wise in the means of inspiring men, his words may raise a poor and disadvantaged people to unpremeditated ambitions and surprising power.

Wars are Destructive and Ugly

Wars are not romantic or glorious; they are a hard, ugly business, bringing death, devastation, disease, and misery.

Those who don't learn from history are condemned to repeat it

Hitler did not learn anything from Napoleon's misfortunes; his armies suffered a similar fate at the hands of the Russians.

Political Issues Cannot Be Settled by Military Means Alone

War is continuation of policy by other means; the combined effort of political and military power can only ensure the settlement of political issues.

Wars Must Have A Clear End-State

Wars waged without a clear end-state often lead to prolonged conflicts and unforeseen consequences.

Successful Wars Aim at a Lasting Peace

The legitimate object of war is a more perfect peace.

History and Future Warfare

History illustrates that this is an extremely difficult undertaking; most armies fail in the endeavor.

The Value of Correct Selection and Maintenance of Aim

To persecute a war successfully, the first pre-requisite is to identifying an aim commensurate with national objectives and military/ economic potential.

Center of Gravity

Correct identification and targeting of enemy's center of gravity is vital to success of any operation.

Innovation is an Immeasurable Asset

Armies do not always win battles by following the beaten path. Innovation based on sound historical understanding and military tenets can produce stunning results.

Revolution in Military Affair (RMA)

Developments in information technology and precision weapons have led to a leap forward in military technologies, aptly described as Revolution inMilitary Affair (RMA)

Clausewitz

Military history studied in depth helps the soldiers to see war, as a chameleon, a phenomenon that affects and draws its spirit from the society which spawns it.