World War II: Eisenhower and Clausewitz on the Western Front
Abstract
The 1944-1945 land campaign In Western Europe was the largest in American history and offers tactical, operational, and strategic insights which have relevance today. Commanding two million coalition (Allied) soldiers, General Dwight D Eisenhower effected a strategy that, while successful, continues to generate debate. Rather than selecting a bold, piercing thrust across the Low Countries and Northern Germany to strike at Berlin (as British Commander Bernard Montgomery favored), Eisenhower opted for what has become known as the broad-front strategy. This strategy employed two Army Groups, Montgomery and the 21st in the north and General Omar Bradley and the 12th to Montgomery's south, in attacks across-the entire western German border (General Jacob Devers and the 6th Army Group would eventually invade southern France and link up with Bradley). This paper analyzes Eisenhower's leadership and strategy in the framework of Clausewitz, identifying selected principles and their Western Theater of Operations. The intent is not to determine if broad-front was the right strategy, but rather examine why it was chosen. And finally, relevance to today's military operations will be briefly explored.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA442703
Entities
People
- Kevin Scherrer
Organizations
- National War College