A good friend and colleague sent me a passage from Napoleon stating that common sense is a characteristic of military genius. I think such a comment is powerful and contradicts the American public's specific qualifications and demands of military leaders. The American public loves complex maneuvers that succeed in a "decisive battle." It is no wonder Lee's flank attack at Chancellorsville is considered brilliant.
Jackson Flank attack map available at http://www.cwmaps.com
Luckily, more historians are aware of the fact that there was no need for Joseph Hooker to retreat following such an attack. If anything, he lost his nerve following the stalemate. Furthermore, such an attack produced high casualties. Lee certainly understood "risk" and the need to deflate northern support for the war. There is also this need for little or few casualties.
It is good that Western society emphasizes the need for "minimal" casualties, but could not one argue that one casualty is too many? The reality is that in individualistic societies, people only support the war if very few are lost. The problem is that war is a collective institution that cares little for the individual and broader strategic and political goals. Ulysses Grant certainly understood the need for extreme pressure and battle would result in significant casualties, but in the grand scheme of the war, it would limit the lives lost. He succeeded with even smaller ratios of casualties than his enemies. Not fully committing one's forces to an objective or goal only prolongs the war effort and extends casualty lists.
Ironically, Andrew Jackson fits the stereotypical "genius" the American public demands. He was an undefeated general who won great victories at minimal cost. Yet, Remini, a biographer of Andrew Jackson, states that Andrew Jackson was not a great tactician. Nevertheless, his greatest quality was inspiring his men to fight against superior numbers. He constantly made tactical and operational mistakes as a general.
General Andrew Jackson a circa 1819 portrait by John Wesley Jarvis.
Regarding football this week, the Chiefs are doing okay but could be playing better. It may be due to Taylor Swift being absent at their last game. Liberty plays the University of Massachusetts today, and I can only hope and pray they remain undefeated. I will be watching the KU-KState Game today in Lawrence, Kansas. I have no dog in the fight; I want to see a competitive game.
Question of the week: Is anyone planning to see the “Napoleon” movie? What are your expectations of it?
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