Psychological warfare...?

Question

"Psychological warfare is the most important strategy for ensuring victory in a war." How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

I need some help on this structured essay question.

Firstly, the definition of psychological warfare.

And the attributes/features of psychological warfare.

Also, how does psychological warfare ensure victory? (specific historical examples)

And the other factors that contribute to victory in war? (again, specific examples)

I would prefer examples from World War 1 or 2, and please cite as many examples as possible.

Answer 1

A very broad question.

PW can be found in many examples during various wars, and can manifest itself in subtle ways that are not necessarily overt.  PW doesn't actually 'ensure victory' but usually gives an edge in strategy and tactics.

The Southern Rebel yell is a sort of PW.  Scared the h**l out of Northern troops.

During the Boer War (South Africa, 1898-1902) the Boer guerrilla tactics of quick, violent hit-and-run raids was very demoralizing on British troops.

Tunnel mining in the trenches during WW1 had an element of PW.  The troops in the trenches could hear each other digging and this would go on for tension filled weeks, not knowing when a huge explosion would obliterate their positions.  

Japanese banzai charges and Kamikaze attacks were designed with some PW.

German Stuka dive bombers, with their sirens wailing during attacks and dropping screaming bombs is another example.

There are more examples.

Answer 2

Psychological warfare is just a fancy term for the use of propagnda in war.  The government can use it on their own people, or the enemy.

The term was probably coined by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger, an Australian professor who was widely followed in the American campaign in Vietnam.

Answer 3

"The effective strategy isn't to fight & destroy your enemy, but to frighten him so you don't have to fight" David Kay

Sun Tzu had also said similar thing in his book the Art of War. The goal isn't to destroy the enemy but to break his will, so you don't have to fight.

I would agree with your statement. How far? Probably more than 90% as long as the enemy has the will to fight he would. It doesn't matter if he's outnumbered, poorly trained. or poorly equipped. If not breaking his will to fight, I can only think of 2 other ways:

1- Eliminating his motives to fight (some how psychological warfare is involved for that matter)

2- Eliminating his ability to fight

The only interesting example I can think of from WWII is the German invasion of Crete. The British did have the intelligence in advance about the German paratroopers’ assault, so they prepared. The Germans did take over the Island, but the heavy casualties they suffered made them to believe that paratroopers’ assault is suicidal. So, they never done it again.

Answer 4

When is this paper due?