Evolution of Entrenchments during the American Civil War: A Vision for World War 1 Leaders
Abstract
The American Civil War ushered in a new era in land warfare. In this war, mass armies first experienced the widespread impact of industrial technology. The response of the Civil War soldier and field commanders to the technology of the Industrial Revolution shaped tactical and strategic organization into new forms. If it was, in fact, the first of the great modern wars, it stands before us an evolutionary monument. The devastating increase of fire power, brought on by the introduction and standardization of the muzzle loading rifle musket and the rifled artillery, doomed the open frontal assault and ushered in the entrenched battlefield. This study will attempt to illustrate the evolution of entrenchments during the Civil War Campaigns of Fredericksburg and The Wilderness. Tactical lessons learned from these campaigns would have visionary application to the battlefields of World War I. In conclusion, we will show the disregard for these lessons learned by the leaders of the World War.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 05, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA238243
Entities
People
- John M. Gates
Organizations
- United States Army War College