How to Better Understand the Art of War

Some have defined the skill to get men and women to engage in battle as an Art. I suppose this must be so as I see no clear cut science in motivating men and women in this manner. I would suppose if such were the case someone would have devised a method or strategy to dissuade troops from fiercely hitting the battlefield.

Read further to find out more about the methods, weaponry, and elements needed to be successful in the campaigns associated with war.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. In order to more fully understand the Art of War, we first must define War. The definition is as follows: Use of force on the part of two or more nations or other organized groups for the purpose of deciding questions at issue that cannot be settled by diplomatic means.

2. So how is war waged? The answer to this is as follows: The form of government, social structure, economic strength and its geographical position all are factors as to how war is waged. (All of the aforementioned are most relevant as far as variables associated with the initiation of war.)
   
   In example, prior to the Second World War the Americans used the fact that they were far removed from the continent of Europe and, at the time, maintained a small "stand by" army and relied on the navy of Great Britain as well as its own army. This example shows us that the United States was making the best of its geographical position should the question be posed as to whether or not war was necessary.

3. Next, we need to address the question: What are the causes of war? In other words, what is the reasoning behind it? The answer is: Its employment has to do with either bringing about or resisting either/or political, social and economic changes. You will find this to be true throughout the course of history.

4. The next element needed in fully understanding the art of war is strategy. If you refer to some of my other articles: For instance, "How to Better Undersdtand the Battle of Waterloo" (also known as the last of the Napoleonic Wars) you will see how each side constructs a strategy in order to bring down the aggressor.
   
   This aspect of war may also be referred to as the: Planning and Organization of War.

5. Offensive refers to actions involved in any operation that will force the defeat of the enemy and thus devastate the opposing side.

6. When you read about defensive warfare, the term is referencing the employment of all methods necessary in order to resist or destroy an enemy attack.
   
   The reasoning behind defensive warfare comes in two parts: First, is to buy time, awaiting more favorable circumstances in order to take on the offensive; and, secondly, is to concentrate the armed forces in one particular location for a decisive offense somewhere else.
   
   Additionally, security remains an important aspect of defense. By this I mean security set up through technological means. This is put into place in order to prevent unforseen attacks by an enemy; preserve freedom in every day living and deny your enemy confidential information.

7. The next element of war is Psychological. Perhaps in your readings you have come across the term Psychological Warfare. This method is employed in order to break down the enemy's will to resist. The following strategies are used in psychological warfare: propoganda by way of media, print and film and most recent is brain-washing wherein you weaken the enemy's mind and body through continued fatigue, harrassment and malnutrition.

8. If you read my other articles, for instance, "How to Better Understand World War I", you will find there are always responses to War. One consideration is: Wars not only effect the soldiers of war; it also effects the citizens.
   
   Responses include: Philosophical opposition; armistice and peace treaties; disarmament conferences and pacts; the creation of peace organizations, in example: The United Nations (1945) and the League of Nations (1920); and, detente (whose purpose was to "scale down" the cold war.

9. Now we will examine the various periods of war.
   
   The main support of the Greek army was the armored spearman.
   
   Visualize, if you will, the following scene:
   
   Archers and dart throwers would swarm the enemy from between the (infantry) squares to discharge their weaponry and then retire during the intervals (of combat).
   
   There were also chairots and calvary employed to get around the enemy's flank.
   
   Lastly, masses of soldiers fought with spear and shield.
   
   The Roman military foot soldier was skilled in the use of javelins and the short sword.

10. During the Middle Ages, the military organization fell into decline. This occurred after the breakup of the Western Roman Empire.
    
    The Franks relied on a rather rustic version of Rome's system of warfare; however, at the same time, the armies of the Byzantine Empire had much success in using the horse archer. This tactic involved a calvary man riding at top speed, able to shoot arrows at the opposing side.

11. Modern Warfare was initiated during the Thirty Year's War of 1618 to 1648. It was during this time that the Swedish King: Gustav II Adolph greatly improved the organization of the army
    
    He was responsible for a more powerful artillery and lighter infantry musket that allowed his troops to load and fire more readily.

12. The 18th and 19th centuries were the next periods of war.
    
    During the 18th century, John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough made use of firepower as well as mobility in combat against the armies of Louis XIV of France.
    
    Toward the end of the century, France was able to mobilize enormous armies establishing victory in the way of mass human effort.
    
    In example, Napoleon organized the French army into corps, each comprised of two or three divisions of 6,000 to 9,000 soldiers.
    
    Each corp in and of itself was basically a small army capable of halting a superior force until the other corp arrived and engaged the enemy on the flank. He also used cannons in mass, deploying them with amazing skill. (See my article: "How to Better Understand The Battle of Waterloo.")
    
    The American Civil War (1861 to 1865) was the first war where the technology of the industiral revolution was used. This technology included: railroads, the telegraph, rifles and (armored) ships.

13. The world wars encompassed the following events: World War I (1914-1918) began as an active war; however, after the first few weeks each side had suffered enormous casualties. This was a result of both parties to the war attempting to break through the other's defenses in vain.
    
    New weaponry, such as the airplane and tank were introduced; additionally ,the submairine revolutionized war at sea.

14. World War II (1939 to 1945) was once again a war of movement. The Germans initially had the advantage in the use of mass tanks; however, the Allieds defeated them in the end by way of industrial strength and the extraordinary number of troops they employed in battle.

15. After reviewing the evolution of militaristic strategy and technology and all the methods employed in battle, it goes without saying there is no exacting science in order to inspire men and women to engage the enemy in the field of combat. Therefore, it must be concluded that such characteristics as to the ability to move a battalion of troops to defend their country's social and economic wants and/or needs is truly (in all probability) The Art of War. (The contradiction in the last line is intentional.)