Frederick the Great and Bismarck: Standards for Modern Strategists

Abstract

This study examines two historical strategists, Frederick the Great and Otto von Bismarck, to determine if history provides any solutions for modern strategists. The study uses Michael Howard's elements of grand strategy. Five elements of grand strategy are discussed: operational, logistical, social, technological, and political. Frederick's and Bismarck's use of these elements is examined during the times they dominated policy making in Prussia. The conclusions verify Frederick's and Bismarck's strategic effectiveness Frederick as King and Bismarck as Prime Minister provide numerous examples of successful implementation of grand strategy. Although our world is more complicated, there are definite applications for the modern strategist. The final section of the paper is a discussion of some modern strategic issues. (rwj)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 15, 1988
Accession Number
ADA228007

Entities

People

  • William H. Janes

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

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  • Arms Control
  • Central America
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  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Nationalism
  • New York
  • Public Opinion
  • Second World War
  • Treaties
  • United States

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Systems Analysis and Design