Roger Brothers
Re: Tactics of war
Fri Jul 6 21:48:25 2001


Scotty,

If you think Grant abandoned frontal assault by massed infantry in 1863 I recommend a book called NOT WAR BUT MURDER, COLD HARBOR 1864, BY ERNEST B FURGURSON. Also if you believe Sherman did not "fall for" Johnston's defensive tactics (at least once) review any good history or first hand account of the Battle of Kennesaw (I recommend Sam Watkin's COMPANY AYTCH.)

Both Grant and Sherman knew they could replace their losses Frontal assault was and is the most certain way to win wars. All you need is plenty of manpower, the backing of a strong central government with an effective propaganda machine and no conscience!

I belief most Confederate Generals (Lee included) switched to defensive trench warfare tactics out of necessity. You must remember that the tactics used by both sides had been drilled into these men at an early age at West Point and the other military academies. They where not only convinced that their education was infallible but most had seen these tactics work extremely well in Mexico. They had this practical experience to back up their lessons, which convinced them even further. The trouble was that they let themselves be blinded by their education and previous experience and were stuck in 1848. It may seem unbelievable that a seemingly small technical innovation like the minie ball could render such education and conviction obsolete in the short period of 12 years but that is exactly what happened. The minie ball changed everything and most generals were slow to realize it. I do not believe Grant ever did realize it. I think there is a lesson in this somewhere for all of us.