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A scorched-earth policy is fundamentally about destroying resources that could benefit an enemy force.
Answer: True
The core principle of a scorched-earth policy is the systematic destruction of resources, such as infrastructure, food, and water, to deny them to an opposing force and thereby weaken or impede their advance or occupation.
Scorched-earth tactics are exclusively employed by retreating armies to deny resources to advancing enemies.
Answer: False
While often used by retreating armies, scorched-earth tactics can also be employed by advancing armies, particularly in counter-insurgency or when facing unconventional warfare, to deny resources and support networks to the enemy.
The term 'scorched earth' was first documented in English reports concerning Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812.
Answer: False
The term 'scorched earth' was first documented in English in a 1937 report concerning the Second Sino-Japanese War, although similar tactics were employed much earlier, including during Napoleon's Russian campaign.
Carl von Clausewitz believed that making an enemy's subsistence difficult was a secondary objective in warfare, subordinate to direct battle.
Answer: False
Carl von Clausewitz considered making an enemy's subsistence difficult a primary objective, alongside direct battle, as it could lead to the enemy's disorganization and retreat, resulting in significant losses.
During Darius the Great's invasion, the Scythians successfully repelled the Persians by engaging them in direct, large-scale battles.
Answer: False
The Scythians evaded Darius the Great's army by retreating and simultaneously destroying resources and poisoning wells, rather than engaging in direct, large-scale battles.
Xenophon's account of the March of the Ten Thousand describes enemy forces burning crops and destroying useful items to hinder the Greek soldiers.
Answer: True
Xenophon's 'Anabasis' details how enemy forces, in an effort to impede the Ten Thousand, burned crops and destroyed other useful resources in their path.
During the Second Punic War in Italy, Roman forces under Quintus Fabius Maximus ordered the burning of grain supplies in areas not directly threatened by Hannibal's army.
Answer: False
Following the Battle of Lake Trasimene, Quintus Fabius Maximus ordered the inhabitants in Hannibal's path to burn their houses and grain, but this was in areas directly threatened by Hannibal's army, not those not threatened.
Following the Third Punic War, the Roman Senate ordered the complete salting of Carthage's agricultural lands to prevent future cultivation.
Answer: False
While Carthage was destroyed after the Third Punic War, the story of the Roman Senate ordering the salting of its lands is considered apocryphal; the primary action was the demolition of its structures and scattering of stones.
In the Gallic Wars, 'vastatio' referred to the systematic destruction of property and subjugation of people as part of military campaigns.
Answer: True
'Vastatio' in the context of the Gallic Wars described the punitive destruction of property and subjugation of populations, often involving the burning of resources and villages to hinder enemy movements or enforce compliance.
During Emperor Julian's invasion of Persia in 363 CE, the Persian inhabitants cooperated with the Roman army by providing ample resources.
Answer: False
During Emperor Julian's invasion, the Persian region between the Tigris and the mountains of Media implemented a scorched-earth policy, devastating the land and driving away resources to hinder the Roman army.
What is the primary objective of a scorched-earth policy?
Answer: To destroy resources that could benefit an enemy force.
The primary objective of a scorched-earth policy is to deny resources, such as food, water, shelter, and infrastructure, to an enemy force, thereby weakening their operational capacity or forcing their withdrawal.
According to the source, in which two primary contexts are scorched-earth policies employed by armies?
Answer: Retreating armies and advancing armies against unconventional warfare.
Scorched-earth policies are primarily employed by retreating armies to deny resources to pursuers, or by advancing armies as a tactic against unconventional warfare, aiming to disrupt enemy support and resources.
When was the term 'scorched earth' first documented in English reports related to its military application?
Answer: During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937)
The term 'scorched earth' first appeared in English in a 1937 report concerning the Second Sino-Japanese War, detailing the destruction of resources by retreating Chinese forces.
How did Carl von Clausewitz describe the difficulty faced by a pursuing army when a scorched-earth policy was implemented by the retreating force?
Answer: The pursuing army would face pressing wants from the very first day.
Clausewitz observed that when a retreating army employed scorched-earth tactics, the pursuing army would face 'pressing wants from the very first day' due to the complete destruction of resources.
What tactic did the Scythians employ against Darius the Great's invasion to deny resources to the Persian army?
Answer: Destroying food supplies and poisoning wells.
The Scythians evaded Darius the Great's invasion by retreating and simultaneously destroying food supplies and poisoning wells, thereby denying essential resources to the Persian army.
What does Xenophon record about enemy tactics during the March of the Ten Thousand?
Answer: Enemy forces burned crops and destroyed useful items in front of the Ten Thousand.
Xenophon documented that enemy forces encountered during the March of the Ten Thousand burned crops and destroyed useful items to hinder the Greek soldiers' progress and sustenance.
What does the term 'vastatio' refer to in the context of the Gallic Wars?
Answer: The system of punitive destruction of property and subjugation of people.
In the Gallic Wars, 'vastatio' described the systematic destruction of property and subjugation of people, often involving the burning of resources and villages, as a military tactic.
How did the Persian region between the Tigris River and the mountains of Media react to Roman Emperor Julian's invasion in 363 CE?
Answer: They devastated the region with a scorched-earth policy.
The Persian inhabitants between the Tigris and the mountains of Media implemented a scorched-earth policy during Julian's invasion, destroying resources and driving away livestock to hinder the Roman army.
During the First Fitna, Muawiyah I's forces burned crops and homes of supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib in the Hejaz and Yemen.
Answer: True
Historical accounts indicate that during the First Fitna, forces loyal to Muawiyah I engaged in scorched-earth tactics, including burning crops and homes of Ali's supporters in regions like the Hejaz and Yemen.
The Mercians countered Hastein's Viking invasion in 893 CE by offering him substantial supplies to encourage his departure.
Answer: False
The Mercians countered Hastein's Viking invasion by destroying crops and livestock in the surrounding countryside, effectively denying resources and forcing the Vikings to leave.
The Harrying of the North by William the Conqueror resulted in the destruction of villages and the annihilation of food stores and livestock.
Answer: True
William the Conqueror's 'Harrying of the North' involved the systematic destruction of villages, crops, and livestock, leading to widespread famine and depopulation in northern England.
During the Hundred Years' War, 'chevauchée' raids were primarily focused on capturing enemy castles and fortifications.
Answer: False
'Chevauchée' raids during the Hundred Years' War were primarily focused on devastating enemy territory, destroying infrastructure, and denying resources, rather than capturing fortifications.
Robert the Bruce advocated for a strategy of leaving scorched plains and maintaining large, open supply depots to thwart English invasions of Scotland.
Answer: False
Robert the Bruce advocated for a scorched-earth strategy that involved burning the plains and keeping supplies in fortified places, thereby creating a wasteland to impede invading armies, not maintaining open supply depots.
'Slighting' refers to the deliberate destruction of fortifications to prevent their use by enemy forces.
Answer: True
'Slighting' is the practice of deliberately destroying fortifications, either partially or completely, to render them unusable by enemy forces, a tactic employed in various conflicts.
Stephen the Great used scorched-earth tactics in the Carpathians to lure the Ottoman Army into heavily supplied regions.
Answer: False
Stephen the Great employed scorched-earth tactics in the Carpathians against the Ottoman Army to deny resources and hinder their advance, not to lure them into supplied regions.
Vlad the Impaler's scorched-earth tactics against Mehmed II in 1462 involved poisoning the water supply of the entire Ottoman army.
Answer: False
Vlad the Impaler's scorched-earth tactics included destroying resources and famously presenting Mehmed II's army with a 'forest' of impaled bodies, but poisoning the entire army's water supply is not the primary described tactic.
During the Anglicisation of Ireland in the 16th century, English commanders like Walter Devereux laid waste to much of Munster, causing extreme hardship.
Answer: True
During the 16th century Anglicisation of Ireland, English commanders employed scorched-earth policies, particularly in Munster, leading to severe hardship and depopulation for the local Irish population.
At the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, Grandmaster Jean Parisot de Valette ordered the Knights to poison all wells with fresh water to deny the Ottomans.
Answer: False
During the Great Siege of Malta, Grandmaster de Valette ordered the harvesting of all crops, including unripe grain, and the poisoning of wells with bitter herbs and dead animals to deny resources to the Ottoman attackers.
Imperial General Torquato Conti, during the Thirty Years' War, ordered his troops to burn houses and destroy villages to deny resources to the Swedes.
Answer: True
Imperial General Torquato Conti, upon retreating during the Thirty Years' War, ordered his troops to burn houses, destroy villages, and generally harm property and people to deny resources to the Swedish army.
The French scorched-earth policy in the Palatinate during the Nine Years' War involved systematically destroying towns like Heidelberg to prevent German invasion of France.
Answer: True
During the Nine Years' War, French forces implemented a scorched-earth policy in the Palatinate, systematically destroying towns and villages to deny resources to German allies and prevent French territory from being invaded.
Shivaji Maharaj's 'Ganimi Kava' tactics strictly prohibited looting Mughal traders and burning cities.
Answer: False
Shivaji Maharaj's 'Ganimi Kava' tactics involved looting Mughal traders and burning cities, but strictly prohibited harming civilians or disrespecting religious sites.
'Slighting' is a historical practice of deliberately destroying fortifications to prevent their reuse by an enemy.
Answer: True
'Slighting' refers to the deliberate destruction of fortifications to prevent their reuse by an enemy, a practice seen in various historical conflicts.
During the First Fitna, what scorched-earth actions did Sufyan ibn Awf take against supporters of Ali ibn Abi Talib?
Answer: He burned crops and homes.
During the First Fitna, forces associated with Muawiyah I, including Sufyan ibn Awf, reportedly burned crops and homes of Ali's supporters in regions like Iraq.
How did the Mercians effectively counter Hastein's Viking invasion in England in 893 CE?
Answer: By destroying crops and livestock in the surrounding countryside.
The Mercians countered Hastein's Viking invasion by destroying local crops and livestock, thereby denying the Vikings the resources they needed to sustain themselves.
What was a significant consequence of William the Conqueror's 'Harrying of the North' in 1069?
Answer: Widespread starvation and depopulation.
William the Conqueror's 'Harrying of the North' resulted in the destruction of food stores and livestock, leading to widespread starvation, famine, and a significant depopulation of the region.
In the context of the Hundred Years' War, what was the primary objective of 'chevauchée' raids?
Answer: To damage infrastructure and deny resources to the opposing side.
'Chevauchée' raids during the Hundred Years' War were designed to devastate enemy territory, destroy infrastructure, and deny resources to the opposing side, weakening their ability to wage war.
What strategy did Robert the Bruce reportedly advocate for Scotland to thwart English invasions?
Answer: Burning the plains and keeping supplies in fortified places.
Robert the Bruce reportedly advocated for a scorched-earth strategy involving burning the plains and securing supplies in fortified locations to create a wasteland that would impede English invasions.
Which historical conflict saw the practice of 'slighting' used to render fortifications unusable?
Answer: The Wars of Scottish Independence and the English Civil War
The practice of 'slighting,' the deliberate destruction of fortifications, was notably employed during conflicts such as the Wars of Scottish Independence and the English Civil War.
How did Stephen the Great employ scorched-earth tactics against the Ottoman Army in the Carpathians?
Answer: By destroying resources and hindering the Ottoman advance.
Stephen the Great utilized scorched-earth tactics in the Carpathians against the Ottoman Army by destroying resources and hindering their advance, thereby denying them sustenance and logistical support.
What unique and horrifying tactic did Vlad the Impaler famously employ during his scorched-earth campaign against Mehmed II in 1462?
Answer: Presenting the army with a 'forest' of impaled bodies.
Vlad the Impaler's scorched-earth campaign against Mehmed II in 1462 famously included the horrifying tactic of displaying over 20,000 impaled bodies, intended as a psychological deterrent.
What was the impact of scorched-earth policies employed during the Anglicisation of Ireland in the 16th century, as described by Edmund Spenser?
Answer: Extreme hardship and depopulation in Munster.
Edmund Spenser described the devastating impact of 16th-century scorched-earth policies in Ireland, noting the extreme hardship and depopulation inflicted upon regions like Munster.
What scorched-earth measures did Grandmaster Jean Parisot de Valette order during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565?
Answer: Harvesting unripe grain and poisoning wells.
During the Great Siege of Malta, Grandmaster de Valette ordered the harvesting of unripe grain and the poisoning of wells to deny resources to the Ottoman attackers.
During the Thirty Years' War, what action did Imperial General Torquato Conti order upon retreating from the Swedish army in 1630?
Answer: To burn houses, destroy villages, and harm property and people.
Imperial General Torquato Conti ordered his troops to burn houses, destroy villages, and generally harm property and people to deny resources to the Swedish army during his retreat in 1630.
What was the purpose of the French scorched-earth policy in the Palatinate during the Nine Years' War?
Answer: To deny resources to German allies and prevent invasion of France.
The French scorched-earth policy in the Palatinate during the Nine Years' War aimed to deny resources to German allies and prevent the invasion of France by systematically destroying towns and villages.
How did Shivaji Maharaj's 'Ganimi Kava' tactics differ from typical scorched-earth policies regarding civilians and religious sites?
Answer: They strictly ordered not to harm civilians or disrespect religious sites.
Shivaji Maharaj's 'Ganimi Kava' tactics, while involving looting and destruction, strictly prohibited harming civilians or disrespecting religious sites, distinguishing them from more brutal scorched-earth approaches.
Which historical practice involved the deliberate destruction of fortifications to prevent their reuse?
Answer: Slighting
Slighting is the historical practice of deliberately destroying fortifications to prevent their reuse by an enemy, often carried out after a successful siege or during periods of consolidation.
Peter the Great's scorched-earth strategy during the Great Northern War (1707-1708) involved leaving captured cities intact for the Swedish army.
Answer: False
Peter the Great's scorched-earth strategy during the Great Northern War aimed to deny sustenance to the Swedish army by destroying resources and infrastructure, not by leaving captured cities intact.
The Sullivan Expedition in the American Revolutionary War destroyed over 40 Iroquois villages and their winter crop stores.
Answer: True
The Sullivan Expedition, conducted during the American Revolutionary War, systematically destroyed over 40 Iroquois villages and their winter crop stores, leading to severe hardship for the Iroquois population.
Toussaint Louverture's scorched-earth plan for the Haitian Revolution involved leaving roads intact and protecting food supplies for the French.
Answer: False
Toussaint Louverture's scorched-earth plan for the Haitian Revolution instructed his forces to destroy everything that could provide sustenance to the French, including tearing up roads and burning resources.
During the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal in 1810, the Portuguese population was ordered to preserve all food supplies and shelter for the French army.
Answer: False
During the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal, the Portuguese population was ordered to destroy all food supplies, forage, and shelter to deny resources to the French army, creating a 'scorched earth' belt.
Russia's scorched-earth policy in 1812 involved burning the countryside and Moscow to deny sustenance to Napoleon's Grande Armée.
Answer: True
Russia's scorched-earth policy in 1812 involved burning the countryside and Moscow during Napoleon's invasion, significantly hindering the Grande Armée's ability to sustain itself and contributing to its disastrous retreat.
Manuel Belgrano's Jujuy Exodus in 1812 involved preserving all houses and crops to welcome the Royalist army.
Answer: False
Manuel Belgrano's Jujuy Exodus in 1812 was a scorched-earth policy that involved the destruction of houses, crops, and food stocks to deprive the Royalist army of resources.
Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt employed scorched-earth tactics in the Peloponnese during the Greek War of Independence by burning villages and deporting civilians.
Answer: True
During the Greek War of Independence, Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt conducted a scorched-earth campaign in the Peloponnese, burning villages and fields and deporting civilians to suppress the rebellion.
During the American Civil War, General Sherman viewed Confederate supplies as contraband and destroyed them to prolong the conflict.
Answer: False
During the American Civil War, General Sherman destroyed Confederate supplies to hasten the war's end by crippling the Confederacy's ability to wage war, not to prolong it.
General Thomas Ewing Jr.'s General Order No. 11 during the American Civil War mandated the evacuation and burning of three-and-a-half counties in western Missouri.
Answer: True
General Order No. 11, issued by Thomas Ewing Jr. during the American Civil War, mandated the evacuation and subsequent destruction of property in three-and-a-half counties in western Missouri.
Confederate forces, retreating from Richmond in 1865, deliberately preserved all military supplies and buildings to deny them to Union forces.
Answer: False
As Confederate forces retreated from Richmond in 1865, military supplies were destroyed, and fires spread to buildings, rather than preserving them to deny to Union forces.
Kit Carson's scorched-earth policy against the Navajo involved burning fields and homes and destroying livestock, forcing their surrender.
Answer: True
Kit Carson implemented a scorched-earth policy against the Navajo, which included burning their fields and homes and destroying livestock, ultimately forcing their surrender due to lack of resources.
What was the strategic aim of Peter the Great's scorched-earth tactics during the Great Northern War (1707-1708)?
Answer: To deny sustenance to the Swedish army and impede their campaign.
Peter the Great's scorched-earth tactics during the Great Northern War aimed to deny sustenance to Charles XII's Swedish army and impede their campaign by destroying resources and infrastructure.
What was the consequence for the Iroquois nations during the Sullivan Expedition in 1779?
Answer: They suffered significant starvation and deaths due to destroyed crop stores.
The Sullivan Expedition's scorched-earth campaign resulted in the destruction of Iroquois villages and crop stores, leading to severe starvation and deaths among the Iroquois population during the subsequent winter.
Toussaint Louverture's scorched-earth plan for the Haitian Revolution instructed his forces to do which of the following?
Answer: Destroy everything that could provide sustenance to the French.
Toussaint Louverture's scorched-earth plan for the Haitian Revolution directed his forces to destroy all resources that could sustain the French, including food, shelter, and infrastructure.
How did the Portuguese population's scorched-earth actions impact the French army during the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal in 1810?
Answer: It created a 'scorched earth' belt that significantly weakened the French army.
The Portuguese population's scorched-earth actions during the Napoleonic invasion of 1810 created a resource-depleted zone that significantly weakened the French army, hindering its advance and sustenance.
What was the primary reason for Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Russia in 1812, according to the source?
Answer: The lack of supplies due to Russia's scorched-earth policy.
Napoleon's disastrous retreat from Russia in 1812 was primarily attributed to the lack of supplies, exacerbated by Russia's scorched-earth policy which denied resources to the Grande Armée.
Manuel Belgrano's Jujuy Exodus in 1812 was a scorched-earth policy aimed at depriving which army of resources?
Answer: The Royalist Army
Manuel Belgrano's Jujuy Exodus in 1812 was a scorched-earth policy designed to deprive the advancing Royalist army of resources and sustenance.
What scorched-earth actions did Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt take during the Greek War of Independence in the Peloponnese?
Answer: He burned villages and fields, and deported civilians.
Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt employed scorched-earth tactics during the Greek War of Independence by burning villages and fields and deporting civilians in the Peloponnese.
How did Union Generals Philip Sheridan and William Tecumseh Sherman utilize scorched-earth policies during the American Civil War?
Answer: To destroy supplies and hasten the war's end.
Union Generals Sherman and Sheridan employed scorched-earth policies during the American Civil War to destroy Confederate supplies and infrastructure, aiming to hasten the war's conclusion by crippling the Confederacy's ability to fight.
What happened to military supplies and buildings as Confederate forces retreated from Richmond, Virginia, in 1865?
Answer: Military supplies were destroyed, and fires spread to buildings.
As Confederate forces retreated from Richmond in 1865, military supplies were destroyed, and the resulting fires spread to buildings, contributing to the city's devastation.
What was the ultimate goal of Kit Carson's scorched-earth policy against the Navajo people?
Answer: To force their surrender due to lack of resources.
Kit Carson's scorched-earth policy against the Navajo aimed to destroy their fields, homes, and livestock, thereby forcing their surrender due to a critical lack of resources.
During the Second Boer War, British forces under Lord Kitchener destroyed Boer farms and homes to support Boer guerrillas.
Answer: False
During the Second Boer War, British forces destroyed Boer farms and homes to deny food and supplies to Boer guerrillas, not to support them.
Historian P. L. A. Goldman estimated that approximately 27,927 Boer civilians died in British concentration camps during the Second Boer War.
Answer: True
Historian P. L. A. Goldman estimated that around 27,927 Boer civilians, primarily women and children, perished in British concentration camps during the Second Boer War due to disease, poor conditions, and lack of supplies.
In the New Zealand Wars of 1868, the Tūhoe people were subjected to a scorched-earth policy, resulting in the capture of their leaders.
Answer: False
During the New Zealand Wars in 1868, the Tūhoe people were subjected to a scorched-earth policy involving the destruction of their crops and buildings, and the capture of those of fighting age, but not specifically their leaders.
During World War I, the Imperial Russian Army implemented a scorched-earth strategy during their retreat in 1915, destroying crops, houses, and railways.
Answer: True
During their retreat on the Eastern Front in World War I, the Imperial Russian Army employed a large-scale scorched-earth strategy, destroying crops, houses, railways, and forcibly relocating populations to deny resources to the advancing German forces.
In World War I, the British army set fire to Romanian oil fields to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Central Powers, burning approximately 800 million liters of oil.
Answer: True
In late 1916, the British army set fire to Romanian oil fields to prevent their capture by the Central Powers, resulting in the destruction of approximately 800 million liters of oil.
Operation Alberich during World War I was a strategic withdrawal by the French army to the Hindenburg Line.
Answer: False
Operation Alberich was a strategic scorched-earth withdrawal by the German army, not the French, to the Hindenburg Line in 1917.
During the Greco-Turkish War, the retreating Greek Army carried out a scorched-earth policy, committing numerous outrages against Turkish villagers.
Answer: True
The retreating Greek Army during the Greco-Turkish War implemented a scorched-earth policy, engaging in widespread destruction and outrages against Turkish villagers as they withdrew from Anatolia.
The Japanese 'Three Alls Policy' in the Second Sino-Japanese War involved 'killing all, burning all, looting all,' causing immense destruction.
Answer: True
The Imperial Japanese Army's 'Three Alls Policy' during the Second Sino-Japanese War was a brutal scorched-earth strategy characterized by 'killing all, burning all, looting all,' resulting in catastrophic destruction and loss of life.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Nationalist forces deliberately breached dams to slow the Japanese advance, causing the 1938 Yellow River flood.
Answer: True
In an effort to impede the Japanese advance during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Nationalist forces deliberately breached dams and levees, leading to the devastating 1938 Yellow River flood.
Finnish forces during the Winter War destroyed provisions and shelter, and some soldiers burned their own homes to deny resources to the invading Soviet Red Army.
Answer: True
During the Winter War, Finnish forces employed scorched-earth tactics near the border, destroying provisions and shelter, and some soldiers even burned their own homes to deny resources to the invading Soviet Red Army.
During Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union, Soviet district governments initiated scorched-earth policies by destroying electrical and telecommunications resources.
Answer: True
During Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union, Soviet district governments implemented scorched-earth policies, destroying vital resources such as electrical and telecommunications infrastructure to hinder the German advance.
The 'Nero Decree' ordered by Adolf Hitler in 1945 mandated the preservation of German industry and infrastructure.
Answer: False
The 'Nero Decree,' ordered by Adolf Hitler in 1945, mandated a nationwide scorched-earth policy to destroy German industry and infrastructure, though Albert Speer actively resisted this order.
The railroad plough was used during World War II to repair damaged railways quickly for enemy troop movements.
Answer: False
The railroad plough was used during World War II retreats to partially destroy railways, thereby denying their use to enemy forces, not to repair them for troop movements.
During the Indonesian National Revolution, Indonesian fighters deliberately burned down the southern part of Bandung in an event known as the 'Bandung Sea of Fire'.
Answer: True
During the Indonesian National Revolution, Indonesian fighters executed a scorched-earth tactic known as the 'Bandung Sea of Fire,' deliberately burning down the southern part of Bandung as they evacuated.
The 1938 Yellow River flood was caused by natural seismic activity, unrelated to military actions during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Answer: False
The 1938 Yellow River flood was a result of deliberate actions by Chinese Nationalist forces who breached dams and levees to impede the Japanese advance during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
The rationale behind the German scorched-earth policy in the Soviet Union during WWII was to support Soviet civilian populations by preserving resources.
Answer: False
The German scorched-earth policy in the Soviet Union during WWII was intended to slow down pursuing Soviet forces by destroying resources and settlements, thereby hindering their advance, not to support Soviet civilians.
During the Second Boer War, what was the purpose of the British scorched-earth policy targeting Boer farms and homes?
Answer: To deny food and supplies to Boer guerrillas.
The British scorched-earth policy during the Second Boer War targeted Boer farms and homes to deny essential food and supplies to Boer guerrillas, thereby undermining their resistance.
What factor contributed significantly to the high death toll of Boer civilians in British concentration camps during the Second Boer War?
Answer: Infectious diseases, poor planning, and lack of supplies.
High death tolls among Boer civilians in British concentration camps during the Second Boer War were significantly attributed to infectious diseases, inadequate planning, and a severe lack of essential supplies.
How were scorched-earth tactics used against the Tūhoe people during the New Zealand Wars in 1868?
Answer: Their crops and buildings were destroyed.
During the New Zealand Wars in 1868, scorched-earth tactics were employed against the Tūhoe people, involving the destruction of their crops and buildings.
What was the scale of the Imperial Russian Army's scorched-earth strategy during their retreat on the Eastern Front in World War I?
Answer: Massive, involving destruction of crops, houses, railways, and cities.
The Imperial Russian Army's scorched-earth strategy during their 1915 retreat on the Eastern Front was massive in scale, encompassing the destruction of crops, houses, railways, and cities, alongside the forced removal of populations.
What action did the British take regarding Romanian oil fields in late 1916 during World War I?
Answer: They set fire to the oil fields to prevent enemy capture.
In late 1916, the British army set fire to Romanian oil fields to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Central Powers during World War I.
Operation Alberich, conducted by the German army in 1917, was a strategic withdrawal to shorten the defensive line, but its effectiveness was limited by what factor?
Answer: The static nature of the Western Front.
Operation Alberich, a German withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line, had its effectiveness limited by the static nature of the Western Front, which meant the withdrawal did not significantly alter the strategic balance.
How did the retreating Greek Army's scorched-earth policy impact Anatolia during the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)?
Answer: It made the retreat more devastating than the occupation.
The retreating Greek Army's scorched-earth policy during the Greco-Turkish War resulted in widespread destruction and outrages against Turkish villagers, making the retreat more devastating than the preceding occupation.
What was the primary characteristic of the Imperial Japanese Army's 'Three Alls Policy' during the Second Sino-Japanese War?
Answer: Kill all, burn all, loot all.
The Imperial Japanese Army's 'Three Alls Policy' during the Second Sino-Japanese War was characterized by 'killing all, burning all, looting all,' representing a brutal scorched-earth strategy.
What specific environmental damage resulted from Chinese actions during the Second Sino-Japanese War?
Answer: The 1938 Yellow River flood.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Nationalist forces deliberately breached dams, causing the 1938 Yellow River flood, a significant instance of environmental damage resulting from military actions.
What scorched-earth tactics did Finnish forces employ during the Winter War near the border?
Answer: Destroying provisions and shelter.
During the Winter War, Finnish forces utilized scorched-earth tactics by destroying provisions and shelter near the border to deny resources to the invading Soviet Red Army.
What was the rationale behind the German scorched-earth policy in the Soviet Union during WWII?
Answer: To slow down pursuing Soviet forces by destroying resources and settlements.
The German scorched-earth policy in the Soviet Union during WWII was implemented to slow down pursuing Soviet forces by destroying resources and settlements, thereby hindering their advance.
What was the 'Nero Decree' ordered by Adolf Hitler in 1945?
Answer: An order to carry out a nationwide scorched-earth policy.
The 'Nero Decree,' issued by Adolf Hitler in 1945, mandated a nationwide scorched-earth policy to destroy German industry and infrastructure, though it was largely resisted.
How was the 'railroad plough' utilized during World War II retreats?
Answer: To partially destroy railways, denying their use to enemy forces.
The 'railroad plough' was used during World War II retreats to partially destroy railways, thereby denying their use to advancing enemy forces.
What event during the Indonesian National Revolution is known as the 'Bandung Sea of Fire'?
Answer: The deliberate burning down of the southern part of Bandung by Indonesian fighters.
The 'Bandung Sea of Fire' refers to the event during the Indonesian National Revolution when Indonesian fighters deliberately burned down the southern part of Bandung as they evacuated.
Scorched-earth tactics were employed during the Yugoslav Wars primarily by Croatian civilians against Serbian settlements.
Answer: False
During the Yugoslav Wars, scorched-earth tactics were employed by the Croatian Army and Serbian paramilitary groups against various settlements, not primarily by Croatian civilians against Serbian settlements.
The Soviet army's scorched-earth tactics in Afghanistan aimed to prevent the Mujahideen's return by destroying towns and villages and using mines.
Answer: True
The Soviet army employed scorched-earth tactics in Afghanistan, destroying towns and villages and using mines, with the objective of preventing the Mujahideen's return and disrupting their support networks.
In 2009, the United Nations accused the Sri Lankan government of using scorched-earth tactics against the Tamil population.
Answer: True
In 2009, the United Nations accused the Sri Lankan government of employing scorched-earth tactics against the Tamil population during the final stages of the civil war.
The Burmese military has been accused of using scorched-earth strategies since the 2021 coup, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian deaths.
Answer: True
Since the 2021 coup, the Burmese military has faced accusations from the UN of using scorched-earth strategies, leading to significant destruction, civilian deaths, and displacement.
The Dahiya doctrine, applied in Gaza, involves the destruction of civilian infrastructure to encourage population resettlement.
Answer: False
The Dahiya doctrine involves the destruction of civilian infrastructure to pressure hostile governments, not specifically to encourage population resettlement. It has been applied in conflicts including Gaza.
As of early 2025, UN figures indicate that approximately 90% of Gaza's homes have been destroyed or damaged due to Israeli military operations.
Answer: True
UN figures as of early 2025 report that approximately 90% of Gaza's homes have been destroyed or damaged, with a significant percentage of all buildings affected by Israeli military operations.
During the Yugoslav Wars, who were the primary actors employing scorched-earth tactics according to the source?
Answer: Croatian Army and Serbian paramilitary groups.
During the Yugoslav Wars, scorched-earth tactics were employed by both the Croatian Army and Serbian paramilitary groups against various settlements.
What was the Soviet army's scorched-earth strategy in Afghanistan between 1983 and 1984 aimed at achieving?
Answer: To prevent the Mujahideen's return by destroying resources and using mines.
The Soviet army's scorched-earth strategy in Afghanistan aimed to prevent the Mujahideen's return by destroying towns and villages and using mines to disrupt their supply lines and support networks.
What accusations were made against the Sri Lankan government regarding scorched-earth tactics in 2009?
Answer: They were accused of using scorched-earth tactics against the Tamil population.
In 2009, the United Nations accused the Sri Lankan government of employing scorched-earth tactics against the Tamil population during the final phase of the civil war.
How has the Burmese military allegedly used scorched-earth strategies in the Myanmar civil war since the 2021 coup?
Answer: By destroying houses, causing civilian deaths and displacement, and denying humanitarian access.
Since the 2021 coup, the Burmese military has allegedly used scorched-earth strategies, resulting in the destruction of houses, civilian deaths, displacement, and the denial of humanitarian access.
What is the 'Dahiya doctrine' and how has it been applied in Gaza?
Answer: A strategy of destroying civilian infrastructure to pressure hostile governments, applied in Gaza.
The 'Dahiya doctrine' is an Israeli military strategy involving the destruction of civilian infrastructure to pressure hostile governments, which has been applied in conflicts including Gaza.
As of early 2025, what is the reported scale of destruction in Gaza according to UN figures?
Answer: 90% of homes destroyed or damaged, with 60% of buildings affected.
UN figures as of early 2025 indicate that approximately 90% of Gaza's homes have been destroyed or damaged, with 60% of all buildings affected by military operations.
The 1977 Geneva Conventions permit the destruction of civilian food supplies if it is done to prevent them from falling into enemy hands.
Answer: False
The 1977 Geneva Conventions, specifically Additional Protocol II, explicitly prohibit the destruction of objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population, including foodstuffs, agricultural areas, crops, and drinking water installations, regardless of the motive.
In the business world, a 'scorched-earth defense' is a strategy where a company makes itself more attractive to a potential acquirer by selling off valuable assets.
Answer: False
In business, a 'scorched-earth defense' strategy involves making a company less attractive to a potential acquirer, often by selling off valuable assets or taking other actions that diminish its desirability.
Scorched-earth tactics directed against civilian populations are permitted under international law as long as they are militarily necessary.
Answer: False
International law, particularly the 1977 Geneva Conventions, prohibits scorched-earth tactics directed against civilian populations and objects indispensable for their survival, regardless of military necessity.
Which international agreement specifically prohibits scorched-earth tactics against non-combatants?
Answer: The 1977 Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol II
The 1977 Geneva Conventions, particularly Additional Protocol II, explicitly prohibit attacks on objects indispensable for the survival of the civilian population, effectively prohibiting scorched-earth tactics against non-combatants.
In the business world, what does a 'scorched-earth defense' strategy typically involve?
Answer: Selling off key assets to make the company less attractive.
In business, a 'scorched-earth defense' strategy involves actions like selling off key assets to make a company less attractive to a potential acquirer.
What is the legal status of scorched-earth tactics against civilian populations under international law?
Answer: Prohibited by the 1977 Geneva Conventions.
Scorched-earth tactics directed against civilian populations are prohibited under international law, specifically by the 1977 Geneva Conventions, which protect objects indispensable for civilian survival.