War of Attrition

Definition

A war of attrition is a military strategy aimed at wearing down an opponent's forces through continuous losses in personnel and material. In the context of the Second Sino-Japanese War, both China and Japan employed strategies that reflected the characteristics of a war of attrition, as they sought to exhaust each other’s resources and resolve over a prolonged conflict.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Chinese forces adopted a strategy of prolonging the conflict, seeking to wear down Japanese military capabilities through sustained resistance.
2. Japan, although initially having superior resources and military technology, found its forces increasingly strained as the war dragged on, exemplifying the effects of a war of attrition.
3. The extensive use of guerrilla tactics by Chinese forces contributed to the war of attrition by undermining Japanese supply lines and morale.
4. Both nations faced enormous casualties and resource depletion, emphasizing the destructive nature of a war of attrition on civilian populations as well.
5. The protracted conflict eventually influenced international perceptions and led to greater support for China from allies like the United States, illustrating how attritional warfare can alter geopolitical dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did both China and Japan utilize the concept of a war of attrition during the Second Sino-Japanese War?
  • Both China and Japan engaged in a war of attrition by focusing on exhausting each other's resources over time. China aimed to prolong the conflict, using guerrilla tactics that targeted Japanese supply lines and created continuous losses for Japanese forces. Meanwhile, Japan initially attempted to capitalize on its superior resources but faced increasing difficulties as prolonged resistance from Chinese forces strained their military capacity.
• Evaluate the impact of guerrilla warfare on the effectiveness of a war of attrition strategy during this conflict.
  • Guerrilla warfare significantly enhanced China's war of attrition strategy by introducing unpredictability and relentless pressure on Japanese troops. These small-scale attacks undermined Japanese logistical operations and contributed to declining morale among their soldiers. As Chinese guerrillas disrupted enemy movements and inflicted casualties, they effectively prolonged the conflict, showcasing how guerrilla tactics can be vital in sustaining a war of attrition.
• Synthesize how the war of attrition in the Second Sino-Japanese War influenced international relations in East Asia during and after the conflict.
  • The war of attrition not only exhausted both Chinese and Japanese resources but also shifted international perceptions and support dynamics in East Asia. As China demonstrated resilience against Japan’s aggressive expansion, it garnered increased support from Western powers, notably the United States. This influx of aid was crucial for bolstering Chinese efforts, altering regional power balances, and setting the stage for post-war diplomatic relations in East Asia, which would eventually lead to significant geopolitical shifts in the decades following the conflict.

Related terms

Guerrilla Warfare: A form of irregular warfare in which small groups use tactics like ambushes and sabotage to fight a larger, more conventional military force.

Total War: A type of warfare that involves not only the military but also the entire society's resources and infrastructure to achieve victory.

Siege: A military blockade or assault on a fortified position to compel the surrender of those inside, often leading to significant attrition on both sides.