A Campaign Of Ropes:

An Analysis Of The Duke Of Wellington’s Practice Of Military Art During The Peninsular War, 1808 To 1814

Nonfiction, History, Spain & Portugal, France, Military
Cover of the book A Campaign Of Ropes: by Major J. Kevin Hendrick, Wagram Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Major J. Kevin Hendrick ISBN: 9781782899969
Publisher: Wagram Press Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Wagram Press Language: English
Author: Major J. Kevin Hendrick
ISBN: 9781782899969
Publisher: Wagram Press
Publication: November 6, 2015
Imprint: Wagram Press
Language: English

The purpose of this paper was to study the practice of military art at the operational level of war. The story of Wellington’s ultimate success against Napoleon’s Marshals was selected as a case study as it seemed rich in the application of mental agility to achieve an asymmetrical military advantage in a theater of war. As military theory recognizes two general types of military art, classical strategy and operational art, the research question was constructed to determine if Wellington practiced pure classic strategy, or an early/transitional form of operational art.

In order to provide a basis of analysis, the essential elements of both classic strategy and operational art are next defined. The history of classic strategy is outlined, then the theory of Clausewitz and Jomini used to define its four basic elements. The practice of operational art is then traced, from its inception by U.S. Grant during the American Civil War, to Soviet operational theory developed in the 1920’s. The theory of Dr. James Schneider, a primary interpreter of both Grant and the Soviets, provides the eight essential elements of operational art. To round out the section on military art, U.S. operational doctrine is outlined and discussed.

Like most military officers, Wellington was a creature of his own experience, therefore a chapter is dedicated to the lessons he learned as a young officer in India. The following chapter is dedicated to a study of the Peninsular War. As the research question deals with both the operational and strategic levels of war, Wellington’s tactics are neglected in favor of his campaign concepts and execution.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The purpose of this paper was to study the practice of military art at the operational level of war. The story of Wellington’s ultimate success against Napoleon’s Marshals was selected as a case study as it seemed rich in the application of mental agility to achieve an asymmetrical military advantage in a theater of war. As military theory recognizes two general types of military art, classical strategy and operational art, the research question was constructed to determine if Wellington practiced pure classic strategy, or an early/transitional form of operational art.

In order to provide a basis of analysis, the essential elements of both classic strategy and operational art are next defined. The history of classic strategy is outlined, then the theory of Clausewitz and Jomini used to define its four basic elements. The practice of operational art is then traced, from its inception by U.S. Grant during the American Civil War, to Soviet operational theory developed in the 1920’s. The theory of Dr. James Schneider, a primary interpreter of both Grant and the Soviets, provides the eight essential elements of operational art. To round out the section on military art, U.S. operational doctrine is outlined and discussed.

Like most military officers, Wellington was a creature of his own experience, therefore a chapter is dedicated to the lessons he learned as a young officer in India. The following chapter is dedicated to a study of the Peninsular War. As the research question deals with both the operational and strategic levels of war, Wellington’s tactics are neglected in favor of his campaign concepts and execution.

More books from Wagram Press

Cover of the book History Of The Consulate And The Empire Of France Under Napoleon Vol. X [Illustrated Edition] by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Memoirs Of Marshal Bugeaud From His Private Correspondence And Original Documents, 1784-1849 Vol. II by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book The Life Of John Colborne, Field-Marshal Lord Seaton by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Napoleon’s Campaigns in Italy — 1796-1797 and 1800 by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Annals Of The Peninsular Campaigns, From 1808 to 1814—Vol. I by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book The Letters of Sir Augustus Frazer K.C.B. Commanding The Royal Horse Artillery by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Memoirs Of The Emperor Napoleon – From Ajaccio To Waterloo, As Soldier, Emperor And Husband – Vol. I by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Operational Art And The 1813 Campaign In Germany by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Coalition Tactics On The Napoleonic Battlefield And Their Influence On Unity Of Effort by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book The manuscript of 1814. A history of events which led to the abdication of Napoleon by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Napoleon In Italy, 1796-1797 by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Memoirs of General de Caulaincourt - The Russian Campaign by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book Mémoires Du Capitaine Duthilt by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book The Influence of Sea Power upon the French Revolution and Empire, 1793-1812. Vol. II by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
Cover of the book The Corsican – A Diary of Napoleon’s Life in His Own Words by Major J. Kevin Hendrick
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy