Scorched earth policies

Definition

Scorched earth policies refer to military strategies that involve destroying anything that could be useful to the enemy while advancing or retreating. This includes burning crops, destroying infrastructure, and removing resources that could aid opposing forces. These tactics are employed to weaken the enemy's ability to sustain itself and can result in significant long-term environmental and humanitarian impacts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scorched earth policies have been used throughout history, from ancient times to modern conflicts, often as a desperate measure in warfare.
2. The implementation of scorched earth tactics can lead to devastating consequences for civilian populations, including famine and displacement.
3. Notable examples include the Russian campaign against Napoleon in 1812 and the U.S. Civil War, particularly General Sherman's march through the South.
4. These policies can also have long-lasting effects on the environment, including soil degradation and loss of biodiversity due to the destruction of agricultural land.
5. Scorched earth strategies may be controversial in terms of international law, as they can violate rules regarding the treatment of civilians and property during armed conflict.

Review Questions

• How do scorched earth policies relate to total war strategies during conflicts?
  • Scorched earth policies are closely related to total war strategies as they embody the idea of mobilizing all resources available in a conflict. In total war, combatants target both military and civilian resources to weaken the enemy’s overall capacity to fight. By destroying food supplies and infrastructure, scorched earth tactics not only impact the enemy’s military forces but also disrupt civilian life, reflecting a holistic approach to warfare inherent in total war strategies.
• What are some ethical considerations surrounding the use of scorched earth policies in warfare?
  • The use of scorched earth policies raises significant ethical concerns regarding civilian welfare and compliance with international humanitarian law. These tactics can result in extensive suffering for non-combatants by causing famine and displacement. Additionally, such actions may contravene laws that protect civilian property during conflicts, leading to debates on accountability for war crimes. Thus, military leaders must weigh strategic advantages against moral implications when considering these policies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of scorched earth policies in achieving military objectives and their broader consequences on warfare dynamics.
  • While scorched earth policies can be effective in temporarily crippling an enemy’s resources and morale, their broader consequences often complicate warfare dynamics. The immediate destruction may yield short-term tactical gains, but long-term effects can include international condemnation and destabilization of regions. Additionally, these policies can fuel resentment among affected populations, potentially leading to prolonged insurgencies or resistance movements against occupying forces. Therefore, while these strategies might achieve immediate military objectives, they can also lead to protracted conflicts and unresolved tensions.

Related terms

Total War: A military strategy that involves mobilizing all of a nation's resources towards the war effort, targeting not only the opposing army but also the economy and civilian infrastructure.

Guerrilla Warfare: A form of irregular warfare where small groups use ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run tactics against larger traditional forces, often in conjunction with scorched earth strategies.

Attrition: A strategy aimed at wearing down an opponent through continuous losses in personnel and material, often by depriving them of resources.