1. What was George Washington's strategy in the American Revolution (His Attrition Strategy)? Do you think he was an effective general?
George Washington used an attrition strategy during the American Revolution (Maj 1993). This strategy focused on erosion of the military power of the enemy, as well as the will of the enemy to resist defeat. Further, the strategy involved use of many resources. Yes, George Washington was an effective general since he was able to identify the main weaknesses of his army and used these weaknesses to fight the enemy until he won. These weaknesses included a lack of professional army, lack of financial support, and lack of national diplomatic power.
2. Is the perceived effectiveness of the citizen soldier in the American Revolution more myth or fact?
American Revolution soldiers are depicted as individuals who were hungry and always ragged. These accounts on how they appeared on the land are more of myths than facts (Maj 1993). In 1779, much of heavy clothing was received in Washington from France. Further, Washington had to prepare storage facilities for these clothing, which were in surplus. Moreover, troops faced varied conditions. This shows that effectiveness, which is perceived for these citizen soldiers are not facts, but mere myths.
3. Why and how did General Winfield Scott's campaign in the Mexican-American War reflect 18th century European Warfare?
General Winfield Scott’s campaign in the Mexican-American War reflected the 18th century European Warfare because there was a conflict between Mexican and United States on border possessions (Weigley, 1973). This conflict would not lead to attainment of peace. As such, General Winfield Scott’s campaign contributed towards the attainment of peace, which was a positive impact in European Warfare. Further, this conflict ended the conflict among the armies. In addition, Scott captured Mexico City and contributed towards reconstitution of the government. This was necessary since Mexico was not easy to use diplomatic means in territorial expansion.
4. What could have General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia done differently to win at Gettysburg if anything? If nothing, explain why.
General Lee during the Gettysburg was aware that he had emotional and physical problems, which had the impact of compromising his military activities (Weigley, 1973). Nonetheless, the General ought to have changed is attack strategy for the enemy. This is because the enemy had already learned the attack strategy, which the general used. As such, the enemy was prepared to counteract the general based on this. Further, the general should have ensured that he learnt from his mistakes identified at Malvern Hill. This would have aided in devising an effective strategy, which would contribute towards counteracting the impact of the enemy significantly. This could have included reshuffling of the commanders of soldiers.
5. Discuss the military strategy of the Union under U.S. Grant in 1864 and 1865.
U.S Grant in 1864 and 1865 focused on suing material resources and large manpower as the means for destroying the enemy’s army (Weigley, 1973). As such, Grant was able to use his superior powers as a means of pushing further towards the southeast. This resulted into several battles in Overland Campaign, which included Cold Harbor, Spotsylvania Court House, and Wilderness. This strategy enabled the capturing of Virginia Petersburg, which acted as the main routes that supplied Richmond. To counter this, Lee’s men had built trenches, but they did not attain the desired success.
6. Discuss the United States' military strategy toward Native Americans. Do you think it was the best way to carry out the national policy decided upon toward Native Americans?
The strategy, which was adopted, was making the Native Americans move out of their possessed lands (Weigley, 1973). This strategy focused on expansion of the American territories and civilization of Native Americans. The strategy also focused on making the Native Americans lose their inherent cultural heritage. As such, Native Americans preservative of their culture would leave, but in cases where they resisted, they were seen as enemy forces. Consequently, war began for example, Plains Indian Wars. The policy adopted was effective since it focused on making Native Americans, Americans or they leave the land. Therefore, Native Americans were pushed to reservations and many warriors killed who were engaged in resistance. This was the best for policy markers during the era.
Reference List
Maj, D. (1993). The American Revolution: Understanding the Limiting Factors of
Washington’s Strategy. Retrieved from: http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ada436950
Weigley, R. (1973). The American Way of War: A History of United States Military Strategy
and Policy. United States of America: Macmillan.
