Jimmacc’s Reviews > Roots of Strategy: Book 2 - 3 Military Classics > Status Update

Clausewitz - lots of discussion regarding reserves. Impact of morale on both soldiers and civilians. Use of terrain. Some points of the formation discussion contradict du Picq. Intrigued me enough to read “On War”, but less insightful than I had hoped.

Finished duPicq. Emphasis on how to maximize morale. With advent of new firearms (breachloaders), argues strenuously against tight formations and orchestrated firing. Losing confidence (morale) is the enemy. Open formations lessen impact of a soldier falling. Cavalry impact is on infantry morale. Aloofness of French general command.