The Attack on Panama City by Henry Morgan

Abstract

This study reviews Sir Henry Morgan's attack on Panama City in 1671. Henry Morgan was successful because he applied combat power correctly. Morgan faced an enemy of superior numbers, yet he was successful. Morgan chose an objective that was thought to be unobtainable, yet he won. Morgan received no formal education in the art of war; he learned from his own experience and the experience of the pirates before him. In his last great exploit Morgan chose the famous city of Panama for his objective. This study shows how Morgan applied the elements of combat power in capturing Panama City, a city never before conquered. This study concludes by showing how the tactics of Henry Morgan are important to the military leader today. Morgan serves as an example of how to apply the elements of combat power. Morgan's use of maneuver is a text book example for young leaders to study today. Perhaps most important is Morgan's example of how leadership is vital to every military operation. The study of Morgan's leadership and how he was able to achieve what others thought could not be done is an example for all leaders.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 05, 1998
Accession Number
ADA350055

Entities

People

  • Walter E. Piatt

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central America
  • Department Of Defense
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Health Services
  • Maneuvers
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Military Training
  • South America
  • Terrain
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
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