US Military History Exam 1 Definitions

Strategy

The overall plan to win the war

Tactics

The specific actions used to win individual battles

Policy

The governmental framework

Operational Doctrine

The basic ideas and methods the military uses to plan and fight wars

Manifest Destiny

The belief that the U.S. was meant to expand across North America from coast-to-coast, often tied to racial ideas of white superiority

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy stating that European powers should not interfere in the Americas, showing the U.S. wanted to be the dominant power in North America

Annihilation

Destroy the enemy's military forces so thoroughly that organized resistance collapses.

Attriton

Gradually wear down the enemy's military capacity.

Exhaustion

Make continuing the war so costly or difficult that the enemy loses the ability or will to continue.

What were nation’s advantages in the French and Indian War?

France often possessed geographic advantages; Britain possessed demographic/economic/naval advantages.

Why did America win the American Revolution?

American military persistence + Continental Army professionalization + militia/partisan support + French assistance + British strategic/logistical/political problems.

Why did the Civil War became so destructive with no end in sight?

Both sides had fundamental, incompatible war aims. The Union could not accept permanent Confederate independence. The Confederacy could not accept reunion.

When does the defender have the advantage?

fortifications are strong, terrain favors defense, attacker must approach across open ground, defender has artillery, attacker cannot flank, defender has secure supply, attacker is exposed

When does the attacker gain an advantage?

attacker has overwhelming numbers, attacker can flank, attacker can cut supply lines, artillery destroys defenses, defender is isolated, defender has poor logistics, another strategic position becomes more important

WHY WOULD AN ARMY LEAVE A FORT?

Another location matters more. Remaining means surrender or destruction. The fort cannot sustain itself. Defenses can no longer protect the garrison.The troops are more valuable in another theater. The fort's position is poor. A commander may sacrifice territory to preserve the army.

WHY WOULD AN ARMY RETREAT?

Preserve the army. Avoid encirclement. Supply problem. Reinforcements needed. Withdraw to stronger position. Move to high ground, fortifications, river, etc. Another theater/objective has become more important.

Pontiac's Rebellion

Native resistance following the French defeat; demonstrated continuing Native opposition to British/colonial expansion.

Saratoga

Major American victory that helped bring France openly into the war.

Yorktown

Combined American/French land and naval success that effectively ended major fighting.

Whiskey Rebellion

Demonstrated federal government's ability to enforce laws through military power.

Fallen Timbers

Demonstrated improved U.S. regular military effectiveness.

War of 1812

Demonstrated the weakness of American military organization while also demonstrating the strength of the Navy and certain professional officers.

Gettysburg

Major Union defensive victory that ended Lee's major invasion of the North.

POST-CIVIL WAR: Reconstruction

Period when federal military power was used to reshape Southern political/social conditions.

Militia

citizen-soldier / local defense / political distrust of standing army

Regular Army

professionalism / permanent military capability

Why did the Union eventually win the Civil War?

Resources + manpower + industry + transportation + naval power + increasingly effective leadership + coordinated strategy + Confederate logistical/economic exhaustion.