We now proceed to the strategic use of the tactical results developed in the preceding chapter. We make a distinction between the following points:
- A mountainous district as a battle-field.
- The influence which the possession of it exercises on other parts of the country.
- Its effect as a strategic barrier.
- The attention which it demands in respect to the supply of the troops.
The first and most important of these heads, we must again subdivide as follows:
a. A general action.
b. Inferior combats.
1. A mountain system as a battle-field.
We have shown in the preceding chapter how unfavourable mountain ground is to the defensive in a decisive battle , and, on the other hand, how much it favours the assailant. This runs exactly counter to the generally received opinion; but then how many other things there are which general opinion confuses; how little does it draw distinctions