Military History

A comparison of the war strategies of Chinese philosopher, Sun Tzu and Prussian soldier and military theorist, Carl Philipp Gottfried Clausewitz.

1,813 words () | 5 sources | MLA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper first discusses the backgrounds of war strategists, Sun Tzu and Carl Philipp Gotfried Clausewitz and their historical significance to war strategies. The paper then discusses the differences in the times between the two men and how although neither one wrote specifically of sea battles, their tactics can largely be applicable to the sea as well. The paper then describes the similarities in the two mens' ideologies. The paper also examines the efficacy of those tactics when repeated by others throughout history.

From the Paper:

"Maneuverability and speed are key elements, although adequate firepower must still be brought to bear on the enemy units when they are finally brought under the gun. But where Clausewitz advocated total annihilation as the surest route to victory, it is possible in modern naval engagements to win by destroying the enemy's will, and by sowing chaos while destroying the fringe elements which it make it possible for the enemy to survive as a fighting force."

Sample of Sources Used:

Clausewitz, C., Rapoport, A. and Graham, J. On War London: Penguin Books 1982
Kimsoft.com Sun Tzu: The Art of War Ch. VI Weak Points and Strong no dateRetrieved 12-22-06 from:< http://www.kimsoft.com/polwar6.htm>
Sun Tzu and Michaelson, G. Sun Tzu and the Art of War Avon, Ma: Adams Media Corp. 2001
WZAPonline.com Zapototoczney, W. Sun Tzu and Clausewitz Applied to War At Sea Retrieved 12-22-06 from: http://www.wzaponline.com/SunTzuandClausewitzWaratSea.pdf
Wikipedia.org Spanish Armada <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Armada>