The Influences of Sun Tzu in the Second World War

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This essay will explore the influences of Sun Tzu in the Second World War. Sun Tzu (544 – 496 BC) was a Chinese general and strategist in times of the Zhou dynasty. His techniques, even today are highly respected. The teachings of Sun Tzu were used not only in Asia and Europe but have also been applied today by the western society.
Sun Tzu's book is divided into thirteen chapters, all of which provide vital information about victory. The thirteen chapters are: Laying plans, Waging war, Attack by stratagem, Tactical dispositions, Energy, Weak points & strong, Maneuvering, Variation in tactics, The army on the march, terrain, The nine situations, The attack by fire, and The use of spies. Executing these according to Sun Tzu, will bring any Commander to victory.
Sun Tzu says the laying of plans take place prior to entering a war/battle. During which a General must remember the five fundamental factors; Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The commander, Method and discipline. Moral law signifies that people are in complete accord with their leader, and they are willing to fight for their motives. This also applies to the soldiers, who need to have complete faith in the Commander. Secondly, Heaven signifies the seasons or climate; when planning for a battle the Commander must contemplate for the time and characteristics of the battleground, and make his troops carry supplies accordingly. Earth is used to represent the terrain encountered by the troops. On a long march, the Commander needs to make sure that his troops maintain their energy in case of a surprise attack. In order to assure the strength of his troops he must provide them with appropriate times to rest, he must plan ahead. A General is a dignitary who informs the Commander of the p...

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