Article Review

Thesis: Jominis influence in the art of war and military doctrine is quite significant but often unnoticed by those who specialize in other fields.

Main Arguments by Author:

Jomini rose to the heights of greatness with respect to military doctrine in the 19th century as a result of his closeness to both Napoleon and to the Tsar. Thus, his doctrine inevitably reached the US and was taught by the Jominians at West Point and beyond-- Dennis Hart Mahan, Henry W. Halleck, William J. Hardee, Silas Casey, George B. McClellan.[footnoteRef:1] [1: James W. Pohl, The Influence of Antoine Henri de Jomini on Winfield Scott's Campaign in the Mexican War, The Southwestern Historical Quarterly , Jul., 1973, Vol. 77, No. 1 (Jul., 1973), 86.]

Consensus opinion, however, is that Grant won the US Civil War because he was decidedly not Jominian (and had never read him) but rather was intuitively Clauswitzian.[footnoteRef:2] This opinion, though, does not do justice to the military correctness of Jominian doctrine and instead rests merely on the political expediency with which Grants methods of warfare aligned with the aims of Lincoln. The Jominian generals were not incorrect in their approachesthey simply did not fit the mold that Lincoln wanted. [2: James W. Pohl, The Influence of Antoine Henri de Jomini on Winfield Scott's Campaign in the Mexican War, The Southwestern Historical Quarterly , Jul., 1973, Vol. 77, No. 1 (Jul., 1973), 86.]

Yet, the influence of Jomini is evident in the approach of Winfried Scott, who never lost a battle in his career. The campaign...

That does not, however, serve as good reason for dismissing the sound doctrine of Jomini. Through his description of the Mexican Campaign of Scott, Pohl provides adequate evidence to support his claims. He cites primary sources, including Scott's own writings and Jomini's works, to demonstrate the influence of Jomini's ideas on Scott's campaign. Additionally, Pohl provides historical context and analysis to support his argument.

I would definitely recommend this article to readers interested in military history and strategy. It offers valuable insights into the role of military theory in shaping military campaigns and provides a compelling case study focusing on the influence of a foreign military theorist on American military thought.

Bibliography

Pohl,…