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That's just it Phid, how do you get such estimates? Without actual body counts, how in the bloody blue blazes could you actually derive a hard data figure?Most of the people alive in many of these ancient conflicts were not registered with a census like we have today. Even if they were, most of those records no longer exist so we cannot verify anything. All we have are guesses at this point. These numbers could be close, but there is no empirical scientific way to verify them beyond any reasonable doubts.
Lee had the advantage of more modern warfare techniques and technology. He also had an army led by veteran generals who fought in previous wars (primarily the Mexican War). Washington had military experience in the French and Indian War, but that war was mostly a collection of semi major skirmishes spread out over a vast area of land. The British primarily led that effort with the colonies participating in secondary support roles. Washington was a good general and had he the technology available to Lee, he could do some damage. However, in the end, Lee had more of a killer instinct whereas Washington was more cautious. Cautious generals never fared too well against Lee. The ones who did best were the “fighters” like McDowell, Hooker, Sheridan, and of course Grant.
I still don't believe these numbers. There is no way to accurately know the death tolls of ancient wars. And casualty figures spanning over twenty and fifty year periods of time frankly would be unknowable. Anyone who puts out hard figures is guessing, and their estimates would be based on unscientific source material tainted by embellishments and propaganda. Furthermore, there were only approximately 60,000,000 living in the Roman Empire at its height. The infrastructure was just not there for such massive campaigns even as late as the 13th century with the Mongolian conquests.
I find many of these figures to be dubious. I've never seen these figures before and if they are in fact true, they are shocking to say the least. How accurate are they?
Magellan found what he was looking for.
So how come we celebrate Columbus Day instead of Magellan Day?
I would say no. Technology trumps everything and wealthy industrialized nations have the technology.
Donnie you always seemed more military-historian than your area of study makes you out to be.
I love military history especially American Civil War, but my two primary loves are Ancient History and Church History. As I have said in the past, I made it a point to have a working knowledge of just about every historical era and topical area. I've grown a bit rusty though since I haven't been in school since 2006. Areas that I lack severely are Art History, Latin American Studies, and African Studies. There's just too much out there to concentrate on them all.
I don't think of Washington as a great general. He was lucky and had some help. He wasn't much of a risk taker and understood that he didn't have to win the battles to win the war itself. He was competent at best, but was no tactical genius by any stretch.
You have failed me for the last time Admiral………….commences force choke on Scout……..Well hopefully somebody will see this post and can break it down for us. I know Washington sat out in White Plains while the British occupied the port cities on the coast. Then every now and then Washington would probe British defenses or make a bold move. In large part you are correct, it was a waiting game. Britain sent its "B" and "C" teams to deal with the pesky Americans while they focused their attention on the Continent.
The truth is I don't want to work around a bunch of liberals. I don't mesh well with them. If I ever got my PhD I would probably just work as a part time instructor or at a junior college where politics isn't as intense.
I have a job that pays almost $17.00 per hour. It's a skilled trade job in the envelope folding business. Since I live in a small town where few decent paying jobs are, I can't just walk away right now. I have too many financial obligations to consider at the moment and so I'm stuck in a holding pattern. Also, the PhD has just lost its luster to me. I do plan to finish my Master's since I am 99% done anyway.
Why? Is that a sign of the End Times I have never heard before?
I was being facetious. I don't think the European Cardinals are too keen on bowing to an American Pope.
