Assignment: Battle Analysis Format

1. Describe the historical context in which this battle occurred.

a. Of what larger conflict was this battle a part?
b. What events led up to this particular battle being fought?
c. How did this battle fit into the larger conflict?

2. Who were the key leaders of each side in this battle (not the overall conflict) that made tactical decisions affecting the outcome of the battle?

3. Describe the type of men (on both sides) who fought this battle, in general terms:

a. What was the background of these men?
b. Were they draftees or volunteers?
c. What type of education did they have?
d. What was their level of training prior to the conflict?
e. Did the men have any previous combat experience?

4. Describe the types of armaments used in this battle:

a. Why type of weapon did the typical soldier use?
b. What were the larger arms used in this battle (indirect fire, etc)?
c. What, if any, new weapons were introduced in this battle? What effect did these have on the outcome?

5. Give an overall synopsis of the battle:

a. Who was involved?
b. What happened? If a multi-day battle, describe the broad actions.
c. When did this battle take place?
d. Where was this battle fought?

6. What was the tactical outcome of this battle?

a. Who won?
b. What tactical victory was achieved or what tactical mission was accomplished?

7. What was the strategic outcome of this battle?

a. What effect did this battle have on the overall conflict?
b. How did this battle help the strategic position of the victor and degrade the strategic position of the loser?

8. What overall significance did this battle have on the outcome of the larger conflict?

a. What larger historical significance did this battle have?