19th+Century+War+Tactics

Kaylee Manuel Cortney Williams Nicholas Horn Samuel Pickerel


 * Emerging Theories – Kaylee Manuel**



In the 19th century, many different theories and changes were made in military strategy and tactics. The way that they carry out their duties is absolutely essential in the success of warfare. Many things were invented, both war-related and just new creations such as the railroad that changed the way proceeded with war. According to Ronald E. Goodman, in an article on Military Strategy and Tactics, “The 19th century was an era of far-reaching change that vastly altered the scope of tactics and strategy, an alteration seen in what has been called the first total war, the U.S. Civil War” (Goodman). Inventions such as railroads and steamships allowed for faster travel and easier transportation of weaponry. Other inventions were created such as shrapnel shells, revolving guns, fully automatic machine guns, and bulletproof vests. All of these emerging theories and changes helped with the success and defeat of other countries during war. All of these inventions made a huge difference from the prior centuries because the technology wasn’t near as advanced. The innovation of technology always has and continues to help the process of war tactics.

Goodman, Ronald. “Military Strategy and Tactics.” //Mollosia.org.// Web. 09 December 2013.

Marshall, Michael. “Timeline: Weapons Technology. 07 July 2009. //NewScientist.com.// Web. 10 December 2013.

Whitaker, Blake. “Changing Generalship and Tactics in the late 19th Century.” //MilitaryHistoryOnline.com.// Web. 09 December 2013.


 * Radical Thoughts – Cortney Williams**



As we talked about in class a lot of science fiction movies and books were thought to be true. People thought aliens would invade earth just because it happened in a novel. This also helped create war tactics though. The thoughts on it were organizing a military force. Changes over time in philosophy and strategy are referred to as “tactics” (Johnson). Such as changing how you approach your enemy. “A main strategy was to get to the main point the fastest and with the most men” (Scholastic). This was to help them have a stronger military force. It was always important that everybody was on the same page so that the strategy would follow through.

Johnson, Rob, Michael Whitby, John France (2010). //How to win on the battlefield : 25 key tactics to outwit, outflank, and outfight the enemy//. Thames & Hudson.

Scholastic (2013). //Teachers.// Web. 10 Jan. 2013


 * Popular Attitude - Sam Pickerel**



By definition, Popular Attitude is “A predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person, or situation.” During the 19th Century, there was the war of 1812. This was almost a secondary Revolutionary War between the United States and Britain that lasted from 1812-1815. This war was mainly over domestic issues between American Sailors and the Royal British Fleet. Americans at this time still felt very resentful of all British Interaction with America.

During the years of 1846-1848, there was the Mexican War. This war was over land in Mexico between them and the United States. The fighting broke out between territory that both the US and Mexico claimed, causing Mexican troops to attack US soldiers. Out of this war, the parts of land now known as parts of Texas, California, and New Mexico were formed. During this war the attitude toward Mexicans were ill minded, as Americans believed that they were entitled to the land.

"Attitude." //Dictionary.com//. Ed. Douglas E. Harper. Dictionary.com, 1 Dec. 2010. Web. 10 Jan. 2013.

Howe, Daniel W. "American History: The 19th Century." //American History the 19th Century//. HBC, 23 June 2007. Web. 10 Jan. 2013.


 * Current Beliefs - Nicholas Horn**



War has been a common practice among man since the simplest of weapons were developed. The tactics and strategies of war change constantly and new strategies are created in every conflict. As Carl von Clausewitz, a great military theorist, once said, “tactics is the art of using troops in battle, strategy is the art of using battles to win the war” (Smith). The current beliefs of 19th century war tactics views them as something innovating and something that can change future wars, especially within the American Civil War. Secretary of State for the U.S. during the Civil War endorsed a strategy that would establish borders to contain the rebels and reassure north supporters in the south (Balis). These tactics when studied today seemed ground breaking and something new and inventive. The current belief of 19th century war tactics is war today would not be the same without these innovative tactics.

Balis, John. "TEACHERS." //Scholastic Teachers//. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013.

Smith, Page. "Union Strategy For Winning The Civil War." //Union Strategy For Winning The Civil War//. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Jan. 2013.