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  3. Television

  4. History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach

TELEVISION

History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach

Series: Great Courses
4.6
(90)
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Episodes
24
Rating
TVPG
Year
2015
Language
English
Publisher
The Great Courses

About

In History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach, you'll study these crucibles of history to gain a better understanding of why a civilization took-or didn't take-a particular path. This course examines some of the world's most notable examples of military misfortune, from the destruction of a Roman army at the Battle of Carrhae to the tragic landings at Gallipoli in World War I.

Related Subjects

  • Educational
  • History

Episodes

1. Petersburg: Union Digs Its Own Grave-1864

30m

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Follow the chain of events that led to the Civil War's ill-fated Battle of the Crater, a notable example of what can happen in warfare when a plan goes awry due to poor leadership, last-minute changes, and other unclear objectives. Then, look at the phenomenon of military blunders and what they teach.

2. Syracuse: Athens's Second Front-413 B.C.

30m

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From initiating a second front with a new enemy to dividing supreme command among multiple generals, see how failures of decision-making and leadership spelled disaster for the Greek city-state of Athens in the outcome of the Peloponnesian War, fought with Sparta.

3. Carrhae: The Parthian Shot-53 B.C.

30m

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The Roman military suffered one of its most humiliating defeats at the hands of the smaller Parthian force at the Battle of Carrhae. Discover how this shocking defeat involved glaring intelligence failures, overconfidence, and poor decisions, as well as crafty use of terrain and exploitation of weakness.

4. Red Cliffs: Cao Cao's Bad Day-208 A.D.

30m

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Even outstanding commanders can have a bad day, as evidenced by one of the most celebrated conflicts in Chinese history: the battle of Red Cliffs. How did general Cao Cao get fooled by an obvious ploy that set his armada ablaze-particularly when he had previously used such tactics himself?

5. Barbarian Gate: Adrianople-378, Pliska-811

30m

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Although waged 400 years apart, the battles of Adrianople and Pliska share a number of curious similarities. Explore how both defeats were triggered by the Romans' mistreatment of immigrant "barbarian" groups from the north-who might otherwise have been converted into allies-and overconfidence on the part of the Roman emperors.

6. Fourth Crusade: Byzantium Betrayed-1204

30m

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Innocent III initiated the Fourth Crusade to recapture control of the Holy Lands from Muslim rulers, but Crusaders ultimately rampaged through Christendom. Learn what led to the brutal attack and looting of the city of Constantinople, a supposed ally of the Crusaders and the seat of the Greek Orthodox branch of Christianity.

7. Kalka River: Genghis Khan's General-1223

30m

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More than 40,000 Russians were slain at the hands of the Mongols at the Kalka River, including six princes and 70 noblemen. Examine the factors that led to the allied army's defeat, from underestimating the Mongols to repeatedly allowing their leader, Subotai, to maneuver his opponents onto ground of his own choosing.

8. Courtrai: Knights versus Shopkeepers-1302

30m

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At the Battle of Courtrai in 1302, a French army of the finest knights equipped with the best available arms and armor was beaten by what many viewed as an undisciplined rabble of Flemish shopkeepers bearing improvised weapons. Delve into the battle and learn the mistakes leading to the knights' defeat.

9. Nagashino: Taking Swords to a Gunfight-1575

30m

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The Battle of Nagashino was the culmination of a multi-generational conflict with some of the most memorable battles and colorful figures in Japanese history. Although both armies possessed guns, only one commander employed them to maximum effect. Delve into the battle and consider why mere access to a new technology isn't sufficient for victory-one must also understand how to use it effectively.

10. Cartagena: High Walls, Short Ladders-1741

30m

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The most spectacular battle of the War of Jenkins' Ear was a massive amphibious assault launched against the Spanish port city of Cartagena, Colombia. Trace how this expedition began with great enthusiasm among the British but ended in failure and embarrassment, due primarily to the enmity that arose between Britain's top-ranking naval and army officers.

Extended Details

  • SeriesGreat Courses
  • Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Gregory S. AldreteWriter
Gregory S. AldreteActor

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