Carl von Clausewitz’s Last Campaign: Clausewitz’s Role as Chief of Staff for the Prussian Army of Observation in the Polish-Russian War of 1831

Abstract

Relatively little is known about Carl von Clausewitz’s involvement in the November Uprising as the Chief of Staff for the Prussian Army of Observation. This article argues that in Prussia’s strategy of no direct involvement in the Polish-Russian conflict, Clausewitz’s formidable skills as a military planner played an integral role. The tightened control over the borders deprived the Polish army of critical manpower and resources, while not giving Great Powers sympathetic to the Polish independence like France a clear cause for intervention. Additionally, Clausewitz’s visceral opposition to the November Uprising stemmed from his fears about Prussia’s strategic vulnerabilities.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2021
Source ID
10.32089/wbh.phw.2021.4(278).0002

Entities

People

  • Vanya Eftimova Bellinger

Organizations

  • Air University

Tags

Readers

  • Government and Public Administration Law.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.