The Modern American Approach to Warfare History Experience

The Modern American Approach to Warfare
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Introduction
The American approach to warfare was first explained by historian Russell Weigley in his classic work, The American way of War. He perceived that the American style of war revolved around the idea of attaining a devastating military triumph over the enemy. According to Weigley, Americans considered war an alternative to negotiation instead of part of a continuing bargaining process. In his first description of an American way of war, Weigley argued that America’s approach to warfare consisted of a unique methodology: - one of attrition and annihilation.. He explained that America’s military forces engaged in wars of attrition in the early years of modernization because they were relatively weak. From the Civil War through the Vietnam War, as America encountered political, economic, and military development, its robust military capabilities changed from an attrition strategy to an annihilation strategy. The latter strategy depended on large masses of forces that used irresistible power to destroy the enemy. This strategy was the surest way to victory. Modern American warfare has changed drastically through technological advancement, tactics and strategies, and leadership, which have shaped how the US military conducts wars.[Echevarria, Antulio J. Toward an American way of war. Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College. 2004: 1-40.] [Ibid, 07] [Keravuori, Rose Lopez. Lost in translation: The American way of war. Journal Article 17, no. 8 (2011): 1-10.] [Ibid, 02]
Ways in which the American methods of Warfare have changed throughout the Modern American Military History Experience
Since the beginning of Modern America, the United States Army has trained, equipped, and prepared for warfare. They have traditionally utilized conventional military operations against their opponents. However, although, arguably, Americans get frustrated with limited wars, especially those with a counterinsurgency factor, Neeson contended that America’s approach to war has been counterproductive during the modern era. The twentieth century saw the transition from two-dimensional warfare and strategic behavior on land and sea to include the ocean depths, air, space, and cyberspace environments. After World War II, the US moved from having a small number of equal allies to a military pre-eminence. During the second half of the twentieth century, cultural, political, and military power and influence dominated America. This dominance still possesses the country today. The following are how the American ways of warfare have changed throughout the modern era.[Neeson, Kieran. The American Way of War: Time for Change. E-International relations 2, no. 1 (2019): 1-5]
Weaponry
The American warfare approach changed through weaponry, with the most lethal change being the introduction of rifling to muskets. In previous battles, the musket covered a maximum range of 70-110 meters. Tactics involved moving troops to musket range, firing a volley, and charging the enemies with the musket's bayonet. However, an aimed rifled musket could fire a bullet up to 1300 meters away. This significantly changed the nature of warfare to the defenders’ advantage. At ...