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[Aufstand]

I'll be doing a series on this. I'll introduce the concepts in this article, analyze cases that illustrate these in action, show the terms/principles/et cetera necessary to understand the ideas, explain the major works/theories, and try to create a unifying concept.

I really don't know if this'll be interesting to you guys, but I'm doing this at the very least just for my own benefit. I need discipline in school (i learn a fair deal, but I need better grades), and this sort of work will in any case keep me busy partway through the summer. Besides, it's a good way of putting the stuff I've read into an easily accessible summary form, and the practice of doing scholarly academic type works would be a good indication of whether I could continue on in this path or if I should get into something more practical.

So, I will be writing this article today.

[Aufstand]

What is military strategy? In simple terms, it is the science, or art, of making war. However, exactly what sort of war? Do battle tactics matter most? Or is mobilization of the national resources the most important factor? Does morale count above all else? These questions have plagued generals and theorists for millennia. Depending on the specific historical circumstances, a certain view would gain preeminence. Since the last war was won in this particular way, the reasoning went, that must be the overall solution as to how war in general should be fought. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Every conflict is unique. Macro-trends do exist, and do greatly change the scope of strategy. The advent of the machine gun, trenches, mustard gas, and massive organization of national economies during World War One created a situation in which a quick and complete victory was practically impossible, with defense being the more efficient strategy. Conversely, the fast and devastating airplanes and tanks of World War Two swung the pendulum in the other direction, favoring lightning-fast attacks and rapidly advancing or retreating armies. Even then, the strategies differed greatly between different fronts, by mere virtue of the environment and enemy at hand. Yes, there are signs that indicate a proper military strategy, but there is no set pattern which can be followed to a sure victory.

Intro to the intro. I'm lazy...

[Aufstand]

To be continued later today, esp with my handy new books from the UofA library.