What-if at Waterloo: Clausewitzâs Use of Historical Counterfactuals in His History of the Campaign of 1815

Paul Schuurman

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Chapter 5 What-if at Waterloo: Clausewitzâs Use of Historical Counterfactuals in His History of the Campaign of 1815

In: Concepts of War, 1650-1900

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Paul Schuurman

Paul Schuurman
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 104â127

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004536678_007

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Abstract

Clausewitz made an elaborate use of historical counterfactuals in his Campaign of 1815. Such is the importance of counterfactuals in this work, that its gist can be given in a series of 25 counterfactuals. I claim that a central role is played by evaluative counterfactuals. This specific form of counterfactuals is part of a didactic method that allows Clausewitz to teach young officers a critical method that prepares them for the challenge of decision-making in real warfare. I conclude with the enduring relevance of Clausewitzâs use of evaluative counterfactuals for contemporary military historiography.

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Concepts of War, 1650-1900

From Free-Rider Strategies to Survival of the Fittest

Series:Â Value Inquiry Book Series, Volume: 383Â andÂ Studies in the History of Western Philosophy, Volume: 383

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004536678

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 11 Feb 2023

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- History
  - History of Warfare
- Philosophy

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Chapter 5 What-if at Waterloo: Clausewitzâs Use of Historical Counterfactuals in His History of the Campaign of 1815

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Concepts of War, 1650-1900

From Free-Rider Strategies to Survival of the Fittest

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Chapter 5 What-if at Waterloo: Clausewitzâs Use of Historical Counterfactuals in His History of the Campaign of 1815