Watch History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach

2015
1 Season

"History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach" is an engaging and informative educational series from The Great Courses Signature Collection. Presented by esteemed military historian Gregory S. Aldrete, this series examines some of the most significant strategic blunders in human history and explores the lessons that we can learn from them. Throughout the course of the series, Aldrete takes viewers on a journey through some of the most famous military campaigns in history. From the disastrous Athenian invasion of Sicily in 413 BCE to the ill-fated Afghan War of the early 21st century, each episode focuses on a specific campaign and the blunders that led to its ultimate failure. One of the things that sets this series apart is its emphasis on the importance of learning from history. Each episode not only offers a detailed examination of the strategic missteps that led to the campaign's failure but also explores the broader lessons that can be drawn from these events. These lessons are not only relevant to military strategists but also to anyone in a leadership position, from business executives to politicians. Another highlight of this series is Aldrete's engaging and accessible teaching style. He has a deep passion for military history that shines through in every episode, and his enthusiasm is infectious. He makes even the most complex strategic concepts easy to understand and uses a range of visual aids, maps, and timelines to help viewers grasp the complexities of each campaign. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of "History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach" is its breadth of coverage. The series covers a vast range of historical periods, from ancient Greece to World War II and beyond. It also covers a range of different types of military campaigns, from colonial wars to guerrilla warfare. Some of the campaigns covered in the series include the ill-fated Dardanelles campaign of World War I, the disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812, and the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. In each case, Aldrete explores the factors that led to the campaign's failure and offers insights into how things might have been done differently. One of the underlying themes of the series is the idea that even the most well-planned military campaigns can be derailed by human error. Aldrete is quick to point out that even the most skilled military commanders can make mistakes, and that luck and chance can play a significant role in the outcome of any campaign. Overall, "History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach" is an excellent series for anyone interested in military history or the art of strategy. Its engaging presentations, in-depth coverage, and emphasis on learning from history make it a valuable resource for both military professionals and civilians. Whether you're interested in ancient history or modern warfare, this series offers a fascinating glimpse into some of the most significant military blunders in human history.

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Seasons

24. The Great Blunders: Four Paths to Failure

September 25, 2015

Review the conflicts in this course to determine the major recurrent errors leading to such blunders. Then, turn to the final case study: a location and culture encompassing modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan that has been the target of some of history's greatest conquerors and empires across more than 2,000 years.

23. Operation Market Garden: A Bridge Too Far-1944

September 25, 2015

Operation Market Garden is routinely listed among the great military mishaps of World War II. Investigate the Allies€™ numerous errors in planning, organization, and execution in this bold air/land mission, from underestimating the Germans€™ resistance to ignoring important intelligence to making unrealistic timetables.

22. Dieppe Raid: Catastrophe on the Beach-1942

September 25, 2015

From conception to execution, the Dieppe raid was filled with unclear objectives and poor planning. Why did the Allies undertake such an ill-fated attack on this German-occupied French city? Find out here, along with a detailed account of what went wrong-from bad timing to overambitious strategies to unexpectedly difficult terrain.

21. World War II: Royal Navy Goes Down-1941-42

September 25, 2015

Examine two of the worst naval disasters in the Britain's history, the causes of which include both grossly underestimating and overestimating the enemy: the sinking of the Royal Navy's most technologically sophisticated battleship by Japanese bombers in December 1941 and the destruction of merchant ships in Convoy PQ 17 by Germans in July 1942.

20. Gallipoli: Churchill Dooms Allied Assault-1915

September 25, 2015

With World War I bogged down in trench warfare, Britain attempted to break the stalemate-which had tragic results in the Gallipoli campaign, an infamous episode of military incompetence. See where the Brits went wrong, from poorly allocating resources to giving the Turks ample time to prepare.

19. Tannenberg: Ineptitude in the East-1914

September 25, 2015

The Battle of Tannenberg was a brilliant victory for the Germans-made possible by the many errors committed by the Russians. Discover how the Germans turned the tables on Alexander Samsonov, fragmenting and tearing apart his once seemingly invincible battalions, leaving them lost in a nightmarish landscape of forest and bogs.

18. Colenso: The Second Boer War-1899

September 25, 2015

The Boer War's Battle of Colenso marked a turning point in military tactics, as the British forces clung to obsolete methods of fighting in the face of new weaponry and tactics. Explore how the stubborn determination of the British commanders to utilize outdated techniques resulted in a completely ineffectual attack.

17. Adwa: Italy's Fiasco in Ethiopia-1896

September 25, 2015

Learn how overconfidence, miscommunication, and miscalculation were all displayed by the Italians at Adwa in Ethiopia, resulting in one of the greatest victories of a native people over an imperial power during the colonization era-a rare indigenous civilization that succeeded in establishing itself as an independent modern nation.

16. Isandlwana: 25,000 Zulus Undetected-1879

September 25, 2015

How could an army accompanied by cannon and rocket artillery be wiped out by Zulu warriors wielding spears, clubs, and a smattering of outdated firearms? Find out in this account of one of the most shocking and humiliating British defeats from the Napoleonic Wars up to World War I.

15. Greasy Grass: Custer's Last Stand-1876

September 25, 2015

Military historians still argue over what happened and who was at fault in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Examine why this battle between George Custer's cavalry and the Lakota and their allies remains one of the most infamous in American history, and see how this rare victory for the indigenous tribes ultimately hastened their defeat.

14. Crimea: Charge of the Light Brigade-1854

September 25, 2015

Although a minor incident, the Charge of the Light Brigade has gained a reputation as both a glorious moment in the history of warfare and one of the greatest military blunders of all time. Follow the disastrous chain of events that lead the British to attack the wrong target.

13. Afghanistan: Khyber Pass Death Trap-1842

September 25, 2015

Propelled by paranoia about Russian plots, the First Afghan War was an unmitigated disaster for the British. See how their attempt to protect the East India Company's interests resulted in the entire Army of the Indus-16,000 soldiers and camp followers-being wiped out by Afghan tribesmen.

12. Russia: Napoleon Retreats in the Snow-1812

September 25, 2015

Napoleon made many mistakes in his campaign to invade Russia, a fatal miscalculation that led to his downfall and blemished his legacy as a brilliant general. Investigate his errors here, from appointing his inept brother to an important role to using unimaginative frontal assault tactics, which resulted in a bloodbath.

11. Culloden: The Bonnie Prince Blunders-1746

September 25, 2015

Prince Charles Edward Stuart disembarked a French warship onto the shore of Scotland intent on restoring the House of Stuart over England and Scotland. As you delve into the battle of Culloden, notice how his rivalries, poor decisions, and waffling led to failure against the firepower and professionalism of the British.

10. Cartagena: High Walls, Short Ladders-1741

September 25, 2015

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.

9. Nagashino: Taking Swords to a Gunfight-1575

September 25, 2015

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.

8. Courtrai: Knights versus Shopkeepers-1302

September 25, 2015

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.

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

September 25, 2015

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.

6. Fourth Crusade: Byzantium Betrayed-1204

September 25, 2015

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.

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

September 25, 2015

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 €œbarbarian€ groups from the north-who might otherwise have been converted into allies-and overconfidence on the part of the Roman emperors.

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

September 25, 2015

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?

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

September 25, 2015

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.

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

September 25, 2015

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.

1. Petersburg: Union Digs Its Own Grave-1864

September 25, 2015

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.

Description

Throughout the course of the series, Aldrete takes viewers on a journey through some of the most famous military campaigns in history. From the disastrous Athenian invasion of Sicily in 413 BCE to the ill-fated Afghan War of the early 21st century, each episode focuses on a specific campaign and the blunders that led to its ultimate failure.

One of the things that sets this series apart is its emphasis on the importance of learning from history. Each episode not only offers a detailed examination of the strategic missteps that led to the campaign's failure but also explores the broader lessons that can be drawn from these events. These lessons are not only relevant to military strategists but also to anyone in a leadership position, from business executives to politicians.

Another highlight of this series is Aldrete's engaging and accessible teaching style. He has a deep passion for military history that shines through in every episode, and his enthusiasm is infectious. He makes even the most complex strategic concepts easy to understand and uses a range of visual aids, maps, and timelines to help viewers grasp the complexities of each campaign.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of "History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach" is its breadth of coverage. The series covers a vast range of historical periods, from ancient Greece to World War II and beyond. It also covers a range of different types of military campaigns, from colonial wars to guerrilla warfare.

Some of the campaigns covered in the series include the ill-fated Dardanelles campaign of World War I, the disastrous French invasion of Russia in 1812, and the infamous Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. In each case, Aldrete explores the factors that led to the campaign's failure and offers insights into how things might have been done differently.

One of the underlying themes of the series is the idea that even the most well-planned military campaigns can be derailed by human error. Aldrete is quick to point out that even the most skilled military commanders can make mistakes, and that luck and chance can play a significant role in the outcome of any campaign.

Overall, "History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach" is an excellent series for anyone interested in military history or the art of strategy. Its engaging presentations, in-depth coverage, and emphasis on learning from history make it a valuable resource for both military professionals and civilians. Whether you're interested in ancient history or modern warfare, this series offers a fascinating glimpse into some of the most significant military blunders in human history.