Clausewitz

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First World War generated a prolonged and bloody stalemate due largely to the theories proposed by Carl Von Clausewitz. The popularity and widespread use of Clausewitz’s theories influenced the course, and level of violence, realized during the war. War is not only a political act but also an instrument of politics, continuing policy by other means according to Clausewitz.
The theorist who best characterized the nature of World War I was Clausewitz because of his argument that defense is the stronger form of war and his views of war as an extension of politics. Clausewitz argued defense is the stronger form of war. Clausewitz has been noted for his position of defense within battle as being essential for victory and it is easier to …show more content…
The advent of tanks in the war, which had the capability to cross trench lines and survive machine gun fire and artillery failed to break the bloody stalemate that existed between late 1914 and the end of the war in 1918. In addition, when one has used defensive measures successfully, a more favorable balance of strength is usually created; thus, the natural course in war is to begin defensively and end up attacking. Clausewitz also viewed views of war as an extension of politics. Clausewitz saw war as
“suspended between three magnets,” policy, probability, and passion. Also recognition that war can vary in its forms depending on the changing nature of policy and of the society within which it is waged. He viewed war as being “politics by other means,” perhaps his most famous formulation. Clausewitz felt his theory of war as an extension of politics was the relationship of war and policy during the First World War. The overall relationship between the Germany General staff and the politician was never on the same page in drawing up campaign plan. Many theorists can clearly tell the difference between plans of war, which political act and

Clausewitz and Strategic Studies Essay

relevant in the 21st century.” Major General Carl von Clausewitz was a staff officer in the Prussian Army in the early parts of 19th century, suffering defeat in 1806, but leading Prussia back to glory in 1815. However, he was better known as a military theorist, and today is recognised as an integral figure in the evolution of military strategy, for many of his ideas are still prominent and embedded in the modern day strategies used today. Clausewitz is renowned for his famous work On War (Vom Kriege)…

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Clauseewitz Essay

theories in today’s modern warfare where non-state actors play a larger, more global role. The study of theory, especially translated theory, requires an open mind to determine its applicability to various and ever-changing situations. In the case of Clausewitz, many strategists do not view his theories as relevant to today’s wars involving a Nation State vs. non-state actors. This is not true. The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College teaches that the commander’s intent is the most important part…

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The Metaphorical Description Of Carl Von Clausewitz's Paradoxical Trinity

Clausewitz Analytical Essay 05 September 2012 The Metaphorical Description of Clausewitz’s Paradoxical Trinity Carl Von Clausewitz expressed utter contempt for the military theorists of his day which motivated him to devote considerable time into producing his magnum opus titled On War. Even Herbert Rosinki, an authority on warfare in the mid twentieth century, wrote in his book (The German Army) that On War is “the most profound, comprehensive, and systematic examination of war that has…

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Essay on Air Power

Air power has been developed through those wars raised. Thus there are many concepts and theories developed by battle strategists. ‘Centre of gravity’ is also a tactic made by Clausewitz. It emphasises the importance of taking fire in only main point, not the whole area of enemy’s territory is required to be attacked. ‘Centre of gravity’ is defined as the hub of all power and movement, on which everything depends, the point against which all our energies should be directed. So the centre of gravity…

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On War: Clausewitz's Strategy

prominence - peace, prosperity, and liberty. However, while America's national interests have remained constant, objectives have changed because our leader's challenges and opportunities have changed. In his early 19th century manuscript On War, Clausewitz posited that strategy and war was uncertain, unpredictable, and marked by chance. While sound and consistent political objectives marked by good decision making can make the execution of strategic objectives at all levels of war more achievable…

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Rhetorical Analysis Of Lincoln's Inaugural Address

Declaration of Independence, of the Jefferson spirit, as immutable truths, and affirms the spirit of Responsibility of All Citizens. protect and create that ideal. Lincoln understood the intrinsic motivation of the war, the escalation of hatred, as Clausewitz says, in which great aspirations can turn into wilderness. So he did not want to deepen the wound of the nation, but want to heal, bandage more. Lincoln does not distinguish…

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LOGOS War essay

Module 107: Brothers in Arms- Is war justifiable? Look closely at 2 or 3 philosophical arguments for or against “war”. War is defined as the “state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country” (Oxford Dictionaries, 2012 and is typically characterised as being extremely violent, resulting in high rates of mortality. There are many philosophical and theological arguments supporting and contesting its justification. From a moral perspective, killing another…

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Hoang Phi Trinh Essay

040786519 Portfolio Element Five Respond to a documentary on global issue: Inside the Propaganda War waged over the Iraqi invasion (in short: Operation Persuasion): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3GINVv9-9s As the great military theorist Carl von Clausewitz stated in his timeless masterpiece On War, in war the moral factors are as important as physical factors, and it is vital not to underestimate or ignore them. His vision has been adapted by many military and political leaders, who in turn have created…

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Essay on American Success in Achieving Independence

Was American success in achieving independence due more to General Washington’s strategic skill or to British blunders? Introduction The British military was considered the strongest in the world at the outreach of fighting between England and the American colonies in 1775. Britain had just defeated France and the Indians in the Seven Years War and had attained its prominence as a world’s superpower. Yet despite Britain’s overpowering military dominance, the British found themselves unable to…

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Theory Of Terrorism

always happen because of insanity. Sane and moral men can start a war if they think that the alternative is even worse. A war is fought because one side in a conflict wants something and cannot get it by diplomacy. In the great aphorism attributed to Clausewitz, "War is diplomacy by other means." But there are many ways in which a war can be fought; they're not all just armies maneuvering on a battlefield. In particular, that kind of war is only really possible if the two sides are approximately comparable…

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