a demonstration was a show of force where a strategic victory was not sought. While a demonstration involved actual combat with the opposing force it was not the main attack. The main attack would take place at another point of the enemy defense, such as an exploitable and vulnerable flank.
Tactic
For the most part, the US Army's dominating battle tactic was what can be called the "turning movement". As used in the Mexican-American War it consisted of sending a detachment of forces away from the front lines and then attack the enemy's flank, causing panic and a retreat. Battles such as Monterrey and Cerro Gordo are examples of this tactic.
Sit-Down Tactic
Tactic of ambush
Vicksburg.
They had a tactic which was to keep stabbing until everyone was dead!
Split MOPP
US Civil War commanders avoided what had been a successful tactic in the Napoleonic era of warfare. This was the European reliance on heavy cavalry in battle. Part of this in the US was the lack of a cavalry tradition within the US military for each side. Part of the reason was based on vast amounts of forested topography. There was also the understanding that charging rifled armed infantry was a potential disaster. With that said, cavalry was used but in a unique manner. When confronting infantry, cavalry soldiers often dismounted to fight. By the use of rifles and sabers. In a manner of speaking, the cavalry became mounted infantry.
The tortoise formation was a battle tactic. It was used in any situation where overhead protection was required, such as in the siege of a city.
No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.No, tactics and formations are not strictly the same even though they are often used interchangeably. A formation was a structure of sorts, such as the square formation or the tortoise formation. A tactic was how the formation was used or moved around or dropped back. A tactic could be likened to a battle plan.
Aerial bombing, first of airfields, then of cities and industry.
Aerial bombing, first of airfields, then of cities and industry.