On War

On War is a book written by Carl von Clausewitz in 1832 about military tactics and strategy. The book has many underlying principles, and focuses on the importance of leadership, innovation, decision making, and self-sacrifice from commanders throughout war. This treatise was based on his own experiences during two wars he was personally involved in: the Napoleonic Wars as well as the Prussian Wars of Liberation between 1813 to 1815.

The author was born 1780 and died 1831. Though he is not well known, his writings are crucial to the understanding of war and in particular, military strategies that include: defense, offense, maneuvering of forces, how to hold territory gained during battle, and how to defend against a superior force. His greatest influence was on the German leaders of World War I such as Ludendorff.