- Joined
- Jun 20, 2012
- Location
- Pacific Northwest
'Modern War' needs a definition...what defines wars of, say, the 20th century, or distinguishes them from previous wars?
(Reading my original post, I don't think I was clear)
In the American Civil War, the 'Modern War' innovations I see are:
Use of rail transport for both strategic and tactical objectives
Use of wireless telegraphy for real- and near-real-time communication
Use of cryptography and cryptanalysis on more widespread, systemic basis (rather than ad-hoc and locally)
Use of aerial reconnaissance, no matter how limited
Use of submarine warfare, again without regard to limit
Use of structured intelligence services both nationally and on battlefield commanders' staffs (staves? LOL)...may be stretching this a bit.
We could also add in widespread use of war correspondents embedded with the armies and reporting in near-real-time, providing information directly to the public; add to that the use of public pressure- often led by the papers- to force the governments to act/refrain from action. The first war of public opinion? At least shaped as events unfolded?
(Reading my original post, I don't think I was clear)
In the American Civil War, the 'Modern War' innovations I see are:
Use of rail transport for both strategic and tactical objectives
Use of wireless telegraphy for real- and near-real-time communication
Use of cryptography and cryptanalysis on more widespread, systemic basis (rather than ad-hoc and locally)
Use of aerial reconnaissance, no matter how limited
Use of submarine warfare, again without regard to limit
Use of structured intelligence services both nationally and on battlefield commanders' staffs (staves? LOL)...may be stretching this a bit.
We could also add in widespread use of war correspondents embedded with the armies and reporting in near-real-time, providing information directly to the public; add to that the use of public pressure- often led by the papers- to force the governments to act/refrain from action. The first war of public opinion? At least shaped as events unfolded?
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