Divide and conquer

Definition

Divide and conquer is a military strategy that involves breaking up larger concentrations of enemy forces into smaller, more manageable groups to defeat them individually. This tactic allows for easier control and less risk in combat situations. By exploiting divisions among enemies, a conqueror can weaken their overall strength and increase the chances of victory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Romans effectively utilized the divide and conquer strategy during their conquest of Greece by exploiting rivalries among Greek city-states, leading to their eventual domination.
2. In Gaul, Julius Caesar employed divide and conquer tactics by pitting different tribes against each other, making it easier for Roman forces to achieve military success.
3. The strategy not only involved military engagements but also psychological warfare, as the Romans would create distrust among enemy factions.
4. By isolating and defeating smaller groups of opponents, the Romans could conserve resources and minimize casualties on their side.
5. This approach helped Rome expand its territories rapidly while maintaining control over newly acquired regions by preventing unified resistance.

Review Questions

• How did the divide and conquer strategy impact the political landscape of Greece during the Roman conquest?
  • The divide and conquer strategy significantly altered the political landscape of Greece as the Romans capitalized on existing rivalries among city-states. By supporting certain factions over others and encouraging discord, Rome was able to weaken unified resistance against their invasion. This tactic not only facilitated military victories but also led to a fragmented political environment where Greek city-states could not effectively unite against a common enemy.
• Analyze the effectiveness of divide and conquer tactics used by Julius Caesar in Gaul compared to previous military strategies.
  • Julius Caesar's use of divide and conquer tactics in Gaul was notably effective because it allowed him to engage with various tribes separately rather than facing them as a united front. Unlike previous strategies that relied heavily on brute force against larger armies, Caesar's approach capitalized on tribal divisions, leading to swift victories. This tactical shift not only reduced the risk for his legions but also established Roman dominance through strategic alliances and weakened tribal coalitions.
• Evaluate how the divide and conquer approach contributed to Rome's long-term stability in conquered regions like Greece and Gaul.
  • The divide and conquer approach contributed significantly to Rome's long-term stability in regions like Greece and Gaul by preventing the emergence of unified opposition against Roman rule. By fostering divisions among local tribes and city-states, Rome could maintain control through indirect governance and manipulation of local power dynamics. This method ensured that newly conquered territories were less likely to rebel collectively, enabling Rome to impose its administrative systems effectively while reducing resistance to Roman laws and culture over time.

Related terms

Military Strategy: A plan of action or policy designed to achieve a specific military goal or outcome during a conflict.

Legion: A large unit of the Roman army, typically made up of around 5,000 soldiers, which was divided into smaller cohorts for tactical flexibility.

Alliance: A formal agreement between two or more parties, often countries or groups, to cooperate for specific purposes, which can be exploited or disrupted during military campaigns.