Past Present Future The History of Bad Ideas: The Decisive Battle
21 snips
Jun 22, 2025 
Dan Snow, a renowned historian and broadcaster known for his expertise in military history, takes center stage in this engaging discussion. He debunks the myth that wars are primarily won on the battlefield and questions our fascination with decisive battles. Is Napoleon the culprit behind this narrative? The conversation also delves into the complexities of military strategy, examining famous battles like Waterloo and Hastings, and critiques the glorification of heroism in history. Prepare for some surprising insights into how conflicts are truly resolved!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Battles Occur
- Battles happen for many reasons, including ego, desperation, and the need to hold forces together under command.
- Often, generals don't want battle, but subordinates push for it due to valor and the inherent pull towards violence.
Modern Battles Are Campaigns
- Modern 'battles' like the Somme or Stalingrad are actually prolonged campaigns or sieges, not single-day clashes.
- We call them battles because they convey drama and are easier to comprehend and tell stories about.
Waterloo Wasn't Truly Decisive
- Waterloo was not the true decisive battle; even if Napoleon had won, he faced overwhelming coalition forces.
- Napoleon was a battle gambler but lacked the political power to end wars decisively by battle alone.
