Tactics, Volume 1 (of 2). Introduction and Formal Tactics of Infantry

Tactics, Volume 1 (of 2). Introduction and Formal Tactics of Infantry

[2] Clausewitz, in his work On War, defines war as a continuation of state policy by other means; an act of violence committed to force the opponent to comply with our will. The civil code is incapable of furnishing full satisfaction to individuals in cases of outraged honor, and is obliged, under certain circumstances, to allow the injured party to obtain such satisfaction by immediate chastisement of the offender or by challenging him to a duel. In like manner there is no law which could afford nations complete satisfaction for affronts to their honor; and it is obvious that it would be as impossible to abolish war in the world, in the family of nations, as it would be to abolish dueling among the subjects of a state. The total abolition of dueling would produce the same results on the life of the individual that the cessation of wars would produce on the development of the national life of every state and on the intercourse of nations with one another. Eternal peace, wrote Moltke on December 11th, 1880, to Professor Bluntschli, is a dream, and not even a beautiful one; for war is a part of Gods system in ruling the universe. In war, man develops the highest virtues; courage and unselfishness, devotion to duty and self-sacrifice even to death. Without war the world would stagnate in materialism. Treitschke ventured a similar opinion in 1869.[1] Every nation, especially a refined and cultured one, is apt to lapse into effeminacy and selfishness during a protracted period of peace. The unlimited comfort enjoyed by society causes not only the downfall of the state but destroys at the same time all those ideals which make life worth living. Narrow provincialism or selfish and worldly activity, looking only toward the gratification of all desires of the individual, undermines the foundations of a higher moral philosophy and the belief in ideals. Fools arrive at the vain conclusion that the life object of the individual is acquisition and enjoyment; that the purpose of the state is simply to facilitate the business affairs of its citizens; that man is appointed by an all-wise providence to buy cheaply and to sell at a profit; they conclude that war, which interferes with mans activities, is the greatest evil, and that modern armies are only a sorry remnant of mediaeval barbarism. *** It proves a positive blessing to such a generation if fate commits it to a great and righteous war, and the more it has become attached to the comfortable habits of mere social existence, the more violent the reaction which rouses it to warlike deeds in the service of the state. *** The moment the state calls, My life, my existence is at stake, there is aroused in a free people that highest of all virtues, the courage of self-sacrifice, which can never exist in time of peace nor be developed to such an extent by peaceful pursuits. Millions are united in the one thoughtthe fatherland; they are animated by that common sentiment of devotion unto deathpatriotismwhich, once experienced, is never again forgotten, and which ennobles and hallows the life of a whole generation. *** The greatness of war lies in those very phases which an effeminate civilization deems impious. A great nation must be powerful, exclaimed Scherr, in 1870.[2] That is not only its duty, but its nature. If opposition is encountered, a nation is not only permitted to force a way for its righteous cause and resort to war, but it is its duty to do so. War always has been, and, so long as men and nations exist on the earth, it always will be, the ultima ratio. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 64927
Author: Balck, W. (William)
Release Date: Mar 26, 2021
Format: eBook
Language: English

Contributors

Translator: Krueger, Walter, 1881-1967