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Published byJohn Nelson Modified over 9 years ago
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GUERILLA WARFARE
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What is “Guerilla Warfare”? From the Spanish word for “little war” Also called non-conventional or unconventional Most common form of warfare in the 20 th century after World War II Practiced world-wide but especially in Developing or Third World Countries
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Conventional War Regular military Uniformed soldiers Separated from public “Heavy” weapons and large units Massive logistical support Recognized governmental arm
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Guerilla Warfare Irregular forces Small units (cells) Highly mobile Minimal logistical support Blend with public Not a recognized governmental arm
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One of the earliest uses of guerilla war was during the American Revolution… Francis Marion – The “Swamp Fox” of South Carolina
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The strategy takes its name from its use by the Spanish in the Napoleonic wars while under French occupation… “The Third of May, 1808” by Francisco Goya
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Early in the 20 th century, guerilla war was employed by other “freedom fighters” such as Ireland’s Michael Collins… Collins the reality… vs. Collins the myth…
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As the century has progressed numerous others have taken up the strategy… From Jews… To Arabs… To the Vietnamese…
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And of course… Fidel Castro Mao Zedong
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Guerilla War Theory Mao Zedong was one of the greatest guerrilla warfare theorists in the 20 th Century He divided it into three phases:
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PHASE 1 - ORGANIZATION Build up a structure of small “cells” to organize popular support Cells develop and disseminate propaganda to win popular support Cells also use selective terror attacks against government officials, landlords, collaborators and other unpopular figures
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PHASE 2 – GUERILLA PHASE Introduce guerilla attacks and ambushes Goal – to acquire weapons and destroy infrastructure which supports the enemy Make it difficult for government to maintain a military presence (create “liberated areas”)
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PHASE 3 – MOBILE WAR Amounted to civil war Force government forces to retreat to major cities Win the support of the countryside and surround city “enclaves” with hostile population Mao used the metaphor of the guerilla fighter being the fish and the people the sea
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A Final Question What is the real difference between - “Freedom Fighters” and…
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…terrorists?
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Or is it just a matter of the winners writing the history books? British troops in front of King David Hotel after bombing by Jewish freedom fighters, 1946 American troops in front of Mount Lebanon Hotel after bombing by Iraqi terrorists, 2004
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