No expert in any field is without critics. They may be experts themselves or simply critical based on laymen's knowledge. Jomini had his share of critics as well. Reportedly he wrote his famous Summary of the art of War in 1838 partly due to the criticisms of Karl Von Clausewitz and Austrian Archduke Charles.
The primary early 19th century military theorists Henri Johmini and Carl von Clausewitz had similar but not exactly the same ideas on military strategies and tactics. Their similarity comes from the fact that both of them had a keen interest in the military campaign of Frederick the Great. Also, each had personal experiences in the Napoleonic War Era. And, lastly, they learned from each other by reading each other's books.
Military theorist Henri Jomini completed over twenty seven volumes of work based on the history of warfare and its tactics and strategies. He covered the military events surrounding Napoleon, Frederick the Great along with the wars associated with the French Revolution.
Henri Jomini wrote that guerrilla warfare is an effective strategy when the defending nation is aided by the terrain. Jomini cites mountainous regions and a landscape deep with forests as ideal positions from which a defending people are most familiar. The invading army is at a disadvantage because of the lack of knowledge of the terrain. Jomini also points out that guerrilla warfare prospers when the invaded nation has a reliable regular army that the invaders must also contend with.
In 1862, two West Point instructors, Captain George H. Mendel and Lieutenant William P. Craighill translated the latest publication of Henri Jomini on warfare. It was so up to date that it contained a chapter on the Union's successful capture of Port Royal in South Carolina in 1861. Both instructors made it clear to any West point generals in the field, that they believed Jomini was the best living authority on modern warfare.
After the Battle of Chancellorsville, General Lee finally did begin to make offensive plans from his position of defense. Looking back, one can see that these offensive plans were long foreseen by military theorists Henri Jomini and Carl Von Clausewitz, although they, of course were not spectators of the US Civil War.In both their writings, these theorists declared that a defense, even after a tactical victory, could not remain passive. Both theorists believed that after a successful defensive victory was achieved, offensive maneuvers were needed lest the beaten enemy revise its plans to attack once more. This is a summary of their ideas. Lee and President Davis did not, however, consult with past warfare ideas. The idea to strike a telling blow against the North was at that time logical but risky. The Battle of Gettysburg was not faraway in June of 1863.
Henri Jomini and Carl Von Clausewitz were prominent military thinkers in the 19th century. Much of their writings were based on the wars fought by Napoleon and Frederick the Great. Both Jomini and Clausewitz were first hand witnesses to the military exploits of the aforementioned generals.
Henri Jomini's writings were written in French and he created a wealth of military knowledge based on the time he spent serving Napoleon. Many world military leaders were not knowledgeable about Jomini because his works were not translated into English until 1854.
Based on the writings of military theorist Henri Jomini, he advocated warfare divorced from political considerations. Also, he advocated warfare aimed at limited and essentially territorial military objectives.
Antoine-Henri Jomini was born on March 6, 1779.
Antoine-Henri Jomini was born on March 6, 1779.
Antoine-Henri Jomini died on March 24, 1869 at the age of 90.
Antoine-Henri Jomini died on March 24, 1869 at the age of 90.
Henri Jomini has written: 'Atlas pour le traite des grandes operations militaires'
Antoine-Henri Jomini was born on March 6, 1779 and died on March 24, 1869. Antoine-Henri Jomini would have been 90 years old at the time of death or 236 years old today.
The primary early 19th century military theorists Henri Johmini and Carl von Clausewitz had similar but not exactly the same ideas on military strategies and tactics. Their similarity comes from the fact that both of them had a keen interest in the military campaign of Frederick the Great. Also, each had personal experiences in the Napoleonic War Era. And, lastly, they learned from each other by reading each other's books.
Military theorist Henri Jomini had specific recommendation regarding the use of artillery in the course of battle field action. He believed that when on the offensive, two thirds of the artillery should be concentrated on the enemy's infantry and cavalry units. The remaining cannons, the one third remaining, should be used against the enemy's artillery.
Military theorist Henri Jomini was a strong advocate of the power of the offense. As he served in Napoleon's army in the early 1800's, Jomini saw the positive effects of Napoleon's offensive operations. During the 1864 Atlanta campaign, Union Major General Sherman followed the Jomini offensive tactic of using artillery against the Confederate fortifications.