Wars are classified in various ways. They are classified from the nature of the military operations employed in their prosecution; into [offensive] or [defensive] wars: from the end to be attained; into wars of [conquest], wars of independence, etc.: from the causes producing the war; into wars of [insurrection], religious wars, etc.: from the general locality in which they are waged; into American, African, European, etc. Other classifications than these are also used, being based on the nature and object of the war. War is both a [science] and an [art]. All investigations which have for their object the determination of the great principles which should govern a general in conducting his military operations; all analyses which are made to show the important and essential features which characterize a campaign or battle, and comparisons made with other campaigns and battles; all deductions and formations of rules which are to be used in military operations; all these belong to the science of war. The practical application of these great principles and rules belongs to the art of war. In the science of war as well as in the other physical sciences, the facts must precede theory; and although the number of known facts is steadily increasing, the number of general principles upon which the theories of the science are based is constant, if not decreasing. These general principles are deduced by a close and critical examination of such methods of waging war as have been adopted by those great generals who are known as eminent in their profession. It is evident, then, that an intimate connection exists between military history and the science of war. Napoleon said, “Alexander made eight campaigns; Hannibal, seventeen,—one in Spain, fifteen in Italy, and one in Africa; Cæsar, thirteen, of which eight were against the Gauls and five against the legions of Pompey; Gustavus Adolphus, three; Turenne, eighteen; Prince Eugène of Savoy, thirteen; Frederick, eleven, in Bohemia, Silesia, and on the banks of the Elbe. The history of these eighty-four campaigns, written with care, would be a complete treatise on the art of war. From this source, the principles which ought to be followed, in offensive as well as defensive warfare, could at once be obtained.” To these campaigns are to be added the battles and campaigns of Napoleon. Jomini, an eminent writer on military art, says, “Correct theories, founded upon right principles, sustained by actual events of war, and added to accurate military history, will form a true school of instruction for generals.” If these means do not produce great men, they will at least produce generals of sufficient skill to take rank next after the “natural masters of the art of war.” The sources of all treatises on the “Art and Science of War,” are to be found in the military histories narrating the events and results of the battles and campaigns just enumerated.
In the progress of society, certain usages of war have come to be generally recognized. These, of course, have varied at different times, and in different parts of the world, according to the state of civilization and the prevalent feelings of the time. They are also subject to modification from causes less general. But the changes which have taken place in them during the lapse of ages have been in general favorable to the interests of humanity. Prisoners of war are no longer put to death, nor are they reduced to slavery, as was once very frequently the case, but their treatment has become generally more and more mild and kind. It is a well-understood rule, however, that a prisoner of war obtaining his liberty by exchange or otherwise, with the condition of not serving again during a fixed period against the same power, forfeits his life, if he is found so serving, and is again taken prisoner. Among all civilized nations, quarter is granted in battle whenever it is sought; and there are certain usages universally prevalent with regard to the capitulation of fortified places, and of bodies of troops hopelessly hemmed in by superior forces, etc.
War, Articles of. See Appendix, [Articles of War].
War, Auxiliary. Is that in which a nation succors its neighbors, either in consequence of alliances or engagements entered into with them; or sometimes to prevent their falling under the power of an ambitious prince.
War, Civil. A war between different sections or parties of the same country or nation.
War, Council of. See [Council of War].
War, Defensive. Is a war undertaken to repel invasion or the attacks of an enemy. Defensive war may be divided into three kinds. It is either a war sustained by a nation, which is suddenly attacked by another who is superior in troops and in means; or a nation makes this sort of war by choice on one side of its frontiers, while it carries on offensive war elsewhere; or it is a war become defensive by the loss of a battle.
War Department. See [Department of War].
War Establishment. See [Establishment].
War, Game of. See [Strategos].