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    Understanding Carl von Clausewitz: A 59-Minute Perspective
    Understanding Carl von Clausewitz: A 59-Minute Perspective
    Understanding Carl von Clausewitz: A 59-Minute Perspective
    Ebook54 pages58 minutes

    Understanding Carl von Clausewitz: A 59-Minute Perspective

    By Martina Sprague

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    About this ebook

    Carl von Clausewitz's book, On War, has stood the test of time. Clausewitz's greatest contribution may have been in the organization and compilation of commonly known facts, rather than in the discovery of new truths with respect to combat and war. He succeeded because he analyzed a great number of elements, shedding light on old ideas, and clarifying these in a format that the masses of military men could understand. He recognized the importance of studying failure brought by uncertainty and chance. Clausewitz necessarily requires deep analysis, however, which is not possible in a book this size, intended only to highlight his most important arguments. To get the most out of Clausewitz, focus should be placed on the nature of war (a set of universal principles) as opposed to the conduct of war (the specific methods by which war is waged).

    There are many prisms through which one can view Clausewitz and the ways in which he expressed military theory. Rather than examining specific battles or simply giving the reader a rundown of facts for memorization, this brief book introduces the major issues that appear in On War. The intent is not to go into depth about Clausewitz, but to give the reader a good start through brevity, in the hope that it will trigger further analysis and discussion. The text includes the following topics: 

    1. On the Theory of War

    2. What is War?

    3. Absolute versus Real War

    4. Defense as the Stronger Form of War

    5. On Strategy and Tactics in War

    6. On Victory and Defeat

    7. On the Commander and Military Genius

    8.  Topics for Further Study and Debate 

    The book is suitable for history interested readers looking for thought provoking topics, but not having a lot of time; and for teachers preparing the class for critical thinking about historical events, and how they have come to affect current affairs. More books with focus on domestic and international military history will be forthcoming in this series titled, A 59-Minute Perspective.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMartina Sprague
    Release dateFeb 17, 2015
    ISBN9781507021798
    Understanding Carl von Clausewitz: A 59-Minute Perspective
    Author

    Martina Sprague

    Martina Sprague grew up in the Stockholm area of Sweden. She has a Master of Arts degree in Military History from Norwich University in Vermont and has studied a variety of combat arts since 1987. As an independent scholar, she writes primarily on subjects pertaining to military and general history, politics, and instructional books on the martial arts. For more information, please visit her website: www.modernfighter.com.

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      Understanding Carl von Clausewitz - Martina Sprague

      INTRODUCTION

      ––––––––

      Carl von Clausewitz's book, On War, has stood the test of time. In fact, some critics hold the view that those who write about war after Clausewitz will only rehash Clausewitz's theories without bringing anything new to the table. He or she will be like a poet trying to attempt a Faust after Goethe[1] But this would be much like saying that if you have not read the classics and praise them, you do not understand what a good book is about. Although Clausewitz and Goethe and other great men have certainly made significant contributions to their respective fields of study, we commonly exaggerate their importance with respect to the future. Or to make a bold statement: When placed in perspective, some artists receive more respect than they deserve.

      Clausewitz's greatest contribution may have been in the organization and compilation of commonly known facts, rather than in the discovery of new truths with respect to combat and war. He succeeded because he analyzed a great number of elements, shedding light on old ideas, and clarifying these in a format that the masses of military men could understand. He recognized the importance of studying failure brought by uncertainty and chance. It is possible, however, that Clausewitz wrote On War mainly because he believed he had something to say, and not necessarily because he wanted to make a convincing argument. In other words, after a lifetime devoted to military service, he needed to clear his mind by solidifying his experiences in words on a page. The many uses of his book may simply be a byproduct of this journey.

      Thus, when first reading Clausewitz, one might find his arguments a bit dated for the modern world. Clausewitz necessarily requires deep analysis, which is not possible in a book this size intended only to highlight his most important points. To get the most out of Clausewitz, focus should be placed on the nature of war (a set of universal principles) as opposed to the conduct of war (the specific methods by which war is waged). What one gets out of Clausewitz, and whether or not it is an easy or difficult read, also depends to some degree on what one is searching for.

      There are many prisms through which one can view Clausewitz and the ways in which he expressed military theory. Rather than examining specific battles or simply giving the reader a rundown of facts for memorization, this brief book introduces the major issues that appear in On War. The intent is not to go into depth about Clausewitz, but to give the reader a good start for further study. Since brevity is the goal, the reader is apt to find a number of considerations of merit left out. The section at the end, titled Topics for Further Study and Debate, is meant to be thought provoking in the hope that it will trigger additional analysis and discussion. It can also be used by teachers preparing the class for critical thinking about historical events, and how they have come to affect current affairs.

      There is obviously a great deal more that can be said about a subject as large and intriguing as Carl von Clausewitz. After finishing this brief study, those interested in exploring further can start by referring to the bibliography at the end. More books with focus on domestic and international military history will be forthcoming in this series titled, A 59-Minute Perspective.

      ON THE THEORY OF WAR

      ––––––––

      Clausewitz believed that a useful

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