1. I think it's very useful to study the British-American naval engagements of the War of 1812, and I'll give you my reasons in this thread.
Since the mid-20th century, the US has enjoyed almost uncontested technological & logistical superiority over military adversaries..
Since the mid-20th century, the US has enjoyed almost uncontested technological & logistical superiority over military adversaries..
2. This situation is very unlikely to be the case in future conflicts. In fact, the US is likely to be militarily inferior to a major, first-world adversary. In such a setting, what will matter is a US commander's elan, aggressiveness, and competence.
3. This situation mirrors what existed in 1812, when the US declared war on Britain, which had the world's most powerful navy. The US was totally outclassed. Yet her navy managed to score some impressive victories against her foe.
4. These victories at sea were solely due to individual commander initiative, competence, and elan. They were not the result of technological superiority.
We are entering an age of leadership. Technological parity must be taken for granted now.
We are entering an age of leadership. Technological parity must be taken for granted now.
5. What will decide conflicts now are moral factors: who has the best leadership, the best people, the best organization. This is why I find the War of 1812 naval combats so instructive, and why I will continue to write about them.
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