Flanking Maneuver

Definition

A flanking maneuver is a military tactic where forces attempt to attack an enemy from the side, rather than head-on. This approach can catch the enemy off guard, disrupt their formations, and create openings for more effective attacks. This tactic has been a crucial element in numerous battles, influencing outcomes by allowing commanders to exploit weaknesses in enemy positions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the First Battle of Bull Run, both sides attempted flanking maneuvers as they sought to gain the upper hand, highlighting the importance of mobility on the battlefield.
2. At the Second Battle of Bull Run, General Lee successfully used flanking maneuvers to outmaneuver Union forces, leading to a significant Confederate victory.
3. The flanking maneuver was critical during the Battle of Chancellorsville, where Lee's forces managed to split and flank the Union Army, despite being outnumbered.
4. In the Gettysburg Campaign, both sides employed flanking tactics; however, it was ultimately Union forces who successfully executed a defensive flanking maneuver at Little Round Top that turned the tide of battle.
5. Flanking maneuvers require good communication and coordination among troops to be effective; a breakdown in this can lead to vulnerability and potential losses.

Review Questions

• How did flanking maneuvers influence the outcomes of key battles in the Eastern Theater?
  • Flanking maneuvers played a pivotal role in several key battles in the Eastern Theater. For example, during the First Battle of Bull Run, both sides attempted these tactics, but it was Confederate forces under General Jackson who effectively flanked Union troops. This tactical advantage contributed significantly to their victory. Similarly, at the Second Battle of Bull Run, General Lee's successful use of flanking not only caught Union forces off guard but also allowed him to dominate the battlefield.
• Analyze how General Lee's use of flanking maneuvers at Chancellorsville demonstrated his strategic brilliance despite facing numerical disadvantages.
  • General Lee's use of flanking maneuvers at Chancellorsville is often cited as a testament to his military genius. Facing a larger Union force, he divided his army and executed a bold flanking movement that caught Union General Hooker's forces by surprise. This maneuver created confusion and disarray among Union ranks, allowing Lee's smaller army to achieve a decisive victory. His ability to effectively coordinate these movements while under pressure exemplified his tactical acumen.
• Evaluate the impact of flanking maneuvers on morale and strategy during the Gettysburg Campaign.
  • Flanking maneuvers had significant implications for both morale and overall strategy during the Gettysburg Campaign. The Union's successful defense against Confederate attempts to flank at Little Round Top solidified their position and boosted troop morale after early uncertainties. Conversely, failed attempts at flanking by Confederate forces led to frustration and diminished confidence in their strategic approach. The dynamic nature of these maneuvers illustrated how tactical decisions could directly influence not only battle outcomes but also the psychological state of troops engaged in combat.

Related terms

Battle Lines: The established positions of troops on the battlefield, which can become targets for flanking maneuvers if not properly secured.

Retreat: A tactical withdrawal of forces from the battlefield, often a response to a successful flanking maneuver that threatens to encircle the troops.

Surprise Attack: An assault executed with the element of surprise, which is often enhanced by employing flanking maneuvers to catch the enemy unprepared.