Two Expeditions to Capture Fort Duquesne: A Study in Understanding the Operational Environment and Attendant Failure (1755) and Success (1758)

Abstract

Recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the necessity for commanders to understand the operational environment (i.e. the culture, geography, key actors, allies, the enemy, potential allies or foes, and the character of warfare) and then adapt in order to be successful. The study of history allows current military professionals the ability to examine past operations and draw lessons learn that can be applied in the future. The French and Indian War fought in North America from 1755-1760 occurred in as complex operational environment as can be imagined. The terrain, the type of warfare, the cultural differences between the participants was not like Europe. This paper will examine, through comparing and contrasting, two British expeditions focusing on the following operational elements: The commanders, theater environment, intelligence, logistics planning, and diplomacy.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 27, 2013
Accession Number
ADA601639

Entities

People

  • John M. Stevens

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Canada
  • Continents
  • Department Of Defense
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • Intelligence Collection
  • Marine Corps
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Native Americans
  • New York
  • North America
  • State Governments
  • Terrain
  • Training
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Irregular Warfare and Special Operations Cyberspace Operations against Adversarial Threats.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.