Scorched earth

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Scorched earth is a military strategy that involves destroying anything that might be useful to the enemy while advancing through or withdrawing from an area. This tactic is often employed to deprive the enemy of resources, shelter, and infrastructure, thereby hindering their ability to sustain military operations.

History

The scorched earth strategy has been used throughout history by various military leaders and nations. One of the earliest recorded uses was by the Scythians against Darius the Great of Persia in 512 BC. The Scythians employed this tactic to prevent the Persian army from obtaining supplies and shelter.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Russian Empire famously used a scorched earth policy during Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812. As the Grande Armée advanced, the Russians retreated and destroyed crops, villages, and supplies, leaving the French forces without resources.

In the American Civil War, Union Army General William Tecumseh Sherman used a scorched earth policy during his March to the Sea, devastating the Confederate infrastructure and economy.

Modern Usage

In modern warfare, scorched earth tactics have been used in various conflicts, including World War II, where both the Axis powers and the Allies employed such strategies. The Soviet Union used scorched earth tactics during the German invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) to prevent the advancing Wehrmacht from using Soviet resources.

Environmental and Human Impact

The use of scorched earth tactics can have severe environmental and humanitarian consequences. The destruction of agricultural land, forests, and infrastructure can lead to long-term ecological damage and displacement of civilian populations. The loss of resources can result in famine, disease, and economic hardship for the affected regions.

Related Pages

• Military strategy
• Total war
• Napoleon's invasion of Russia
• March to the Sea
• Operation Barbarossa
• American Civil War
• World War II

See Also

• Scythians
• Darius the Great
• Russian Empire
• Grande Armée
• Union Army
• Confederate States of America
• Wehrmacht
• Soviet Union

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