1. Ardant Du Picq The Moral Factor of War

2. Agenda Biographical Information Historical Context Theory of Warfare Positivism Romanticism Impact on Doctrine

3. Biography Battle of Sevastopol Born in Perigueux, France on the 19th of October 1821 Commission in 1844 Participated in the Crimean War with the 67 th Regiment and was captured during the siege of Sevastopol. 1853 Served during French interventions in Syria (1860) and Algeria (1864-66). Commanded the 10 th Infantry Regiment of the Line during the onset of the Franco-Prussian War Died of wounds received during the Battle of Mars-la-tour near Metz France on the 18 th of August 1870. My Wife, my Children, my Regiment, adieux ~ Du Picq

4. Historical Context Chassepot Rifle Needle Gun Post Enlightenment Romanticism War of 1866 – German Unification Changes in technology Ability to mass troops rapidly Period of Military Reorganization

5. Theory of Warfare Enlightenment thinkers did not factor in Soldier’s actions under fire into their scientific methods “The smallest detail, taken from an actual incident in war, is more instructive for me, a soldier, than all the Thiers and Jominis in the world… ~Du Picq Believed that by studying Soldier behavior a rational system of fighting could be determined. Combined Romanticism with Positivism “Let us study the soldier for it is he who really fights”

6. Romanticism Experience excels science ~ Du Picq Studied ancient battles to determine the actions of soldiers in battle Believed that man did not change over the centuries Effects of individual behavior on unit cohesion Parable of Four Men and a Lion. Effective discipline based on societal institutionalization incorporating a nations virtues and defects. French élan Believed battle to be dominated by instincts

7. Positivism “Man does not enter battle to fight, but for victory. He does everything he can to avoid the first and obtain the second”~ Du Picq Believed that by studying soldiers’ actions a better system of tactics could be developed Studied ancient battles and utilized questionnaires from recent battles to gather data. Disputed the use of columns and “big battalions” Advocated open order and skirmisher tactics Use of Cavalry as mobile infantry Rapid firing weapons have made the defense the stronger form of war

8. Impact on Doctrine Du Piqc’s Ancient Battle and Battle Studies overshadowed by Clausewitz Becomes popular in France after the second edition of Battle Studies is published in 1903. Gen. Foche Principles that Du Picq espouses are reflected in the US Army’s Mission Command Philosophy.

9. Gat, Azar, A History of Military Thought (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001). Ardant Du Piqc. Roots of Strategy Book 2: Battle Studies. (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1987). Army Doctrine Reference Publication (ADRP) 6-0, Mission Command (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 2012) Bibliography

10. Questions In this American War the melees of Agincourt are said to have reappeared, which merely means a melee of fugitives. ~ Du Picq