Section B Definitions
A useful list of definitions for key terms to define at the start of thematic essays.
Revolutionised: caused a radical change with lasting impact
Turning point: a specific moment of change in the nature of warfare
Generalship: the exercising of skill as a commander of a large military force
Tactics: the use of armed forces in a particular battle
Strategy: the overall use of armed forces to achieve the desired political aims of war
Warfare: conduct, scale and outcome of war
Conduct of war: the tactics and strategy employed by commanders
Nature of warfare: the tactics and strategies used by commanders
Total War: Warfare that is unrestricted in terms of the weapons used, territory or combatants
involved, or objectives pursued
Industrialisation: the development of large-scale industries which use machines in factories to
enable mass production, precision engineering, and technological innovation
Technological developments: the process of invention, innovation and progress in technology
Organisation of armies: including the organisation of troops and military command structures
Coordination of forces: the organisation of multiple armies and multiple divisions within armies to
work together effectively
State power: the ability of a state to control its society, military, industry and economy,
Economic power: The industrial and financial strength of a nation
Conscription: compulsory enlistment for state service, both in the military and on the home front
Military theory: the analysis of behaviour and trends in military affairs, particularly the relative
strengths of particular tactics and strategies given the technological and political climate.
A useful list of definitions for key terms to define at the start of thematic essays.
Revolutionised: caused a radical change with lasting impact
Turning point: a specific moment of change in the nature of warfare
Generalship: the exercising of skill as a commander of a large military force
Tactics: the use of armed forces in a particular battle
Strategy: the overall use of armed forces to achieve the desired political aims of war
Warfare: conduct, scale and outcome of war
Conduct of war: the tactics and strategy employed by commanders
Nature of warfare: the tactics and strategies used by commanders
Total War: Warfare that is unrestricted in terms of the weapons used, territory or combatants
involved, or objectives pursued
Industrialisation: the development of large-scale industries which use machines in factories to
enable mass production, precision engineering, and technological innovation
Technological developments: the process of invention, innovation and progress in technology
Organisation of armies: including the organisation of troops and military command structures
Coordination of forces: the organisation of multiple armies and multiple divisions within armies to
work together effectively
State power: the ability of a state to control its society, military, industry and economy,
Economic power: The industrial and financial strength of a nation
Conscription: compulsory enlistment for state service, both in the military and on the home front
Military theory: the analysis of behaviour and trends in military affairs, particularly the relative
strengths of particular tactics and strategies given the technological and political climate.
