Flanking Maneuver

Definition

A flanking maneuver is a military tactic where forces attempt to attack an enemy from the side or rear, rather than head-on. This tactic aims to catch the enemy off guard and create confusion, often leading to a significant advantage in battle. It is crucial in maximizing the effectiveness of troop movements and exploiting the weaknesses of the opposing forces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. At the Battle of Little Bighorn, the flanking maneuver was employed by Native American forces to surround and overwhelm General Custer's troops.
2. The effectiveness of a flanking maneuver relies heavily on speed and coordination to prevent the enemy from regrouping or reinforcing their positions.
3. Flanking maneuvers can lead to decisive victories, as they can force the opposing army into a retreat or surrender when they find themselves cut off.
4. The terrain played a critical role in facilitating flanking movements during the Battle of Little Bighorn, as the hills and river provided strategic advantages for Native American warriors.
5. Custer underestimated the size and tactical capabilities of the Native American forces, which made his troops particularly vulnerable to being flanked.

Review Questions

• How did the flanking maneuver contribute to the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn?
  • The flanking maneuver was pivotal in determining the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn because it allowed Native American forces to surround General Custer's troops. By attacking from multiple directions, they effectively caught Custer's men off guard and isolated them from potential reinforcements. This tactic not only created chaos among Custer's ranks but also led to a rapid defeat, showcasing how a well-executed flanking maneuver can change the course of a battle.
• Discuss how terrain influenced the effectiveness of flanking maneuvers at Little Bighorn.
  • The terrain around Little Bighorn greatly influenced the success of flanking maneuvers employed by Native American forces. The hills and riverbanks provided cover and strategic vantage points for warriors as they moved to outflank Custer’s men. This natural landscape allowed them to execute their plans efficiently, capitalize on their knowledge of the land, and launch surprise attacks that proved overwhelming for Custer’s troops.
• Evaluate the importance of leadership and decision-making in executing a successful flanking maneuver during military engagements like the Battle of Little Bighorn.
  • Leadership and decision-making are crucial elements in successfully executing a flanking maneuver, as evidenced by events at Little Bighorn. The Native American leaders demonstrated effective strategic planning and coordination among their warriors, enabling them to launch a surprise assault on Custer's forces. In contrast, Custer's overconfidence and failure to adequately assess his opponent's strength led to poor tactical choices. This highlights how strong leadership can leverage tactics like flanking maneuvers to gain decisive advantages in battle.

Related terms

Battle Tactics: Strategies and methods employed by military forces to achieve specific objectives during combat.

Surprise Attack: An assault that occurs without prior warning, aiming to catch the enemy unprepared and disorganized.

Combined Arms: The integration of different branches of military forces (infantry, artillery, cavalry) to achieve a more effective combat strategy.