Clausewitz and the Culmination Point of Victory
Abstract
The Culmination Point of Attack and the Culmination Point of Victory are concepts Clausewitz has developed in greater depth. Both concepts are based on his understanding of strategy. As we see it today, however, they are related to different levels of warfare. The Culmination Point of Attack is an operational concept. The Culmination Point of Victory is related to the strategic objectives of a campaign and the outcome of the war and therefore a strategic concept. Both concepts are different but they influence each other. As a deduction of Clausewitz's thoughts a new concept, the Culmination Point of Defense can be developed. It is an implied concept and can be used by the defender once the attacker has crossed his Culmination Point of Attack. It is not useful to look for recipes, to apply these concepts. Clausewitz gives no recipes, he show reader how to think. The concepts are examined in greater depth by using case studies. The war in North Africa during 1941 and 1942, and an excursion to the Eastern front is evaluated to find important criteria for the application of Clausewitz's concepts in modern warfare on the operational level, as well as, the level of military strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA207383
Entities
People
- Hans-peter Von Kirchbach
Organizations
- United States Army War College