After the publication of his Treatise on Grand Operations, Johmini received a recommendation from his patron and joined the headquarters of Napoleon in France. There he received a promotion by Napoleon to colonel and was present on Napoleon's campaigns at Jena and Eylan. Jomini, however remained a staff person and longed for a position of command. None was available in the French army so he resigned and was able to secure a generalship in Russia. He saw no action however, so he returned to France to continue his publication career.
Antoine-Henri Johmini served as a staff officer with Napoleon. After he left the French army he decided to begin a career as an author of military history and strategies. In general, his goal was to create a scientific approach to the art of war. Much of this knowledge he gained form being on the military staff of Napoleon.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When discussing the military ideas of Antoine Henri Jomini, it's better to take a broader view in order to fully understand his beliefs. He emphasized the idea of seeing a wide view of war by focusing on theaters of operations. meaning the widest view possible. He also spoke about the value of territorial objectives. With these points said, Jomini also focused on battle tactics. And, he gave advice on the advantages of a strong defense.
Sun Tzu wrote "The Art of War," a famous book on military strategy believed to have been conceived by a great Chinese military leader.
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 has written: 'Atlas pour le traite des grandes operations militaires'
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.