Author: Ian P. GrundhauserPublisher:
ISBN: 9781940804132
Category : Paris (France)
Languages : en
Pages :
Book Description
"In an attempt to end the stalemate on the Western Front during World War I, German scientists and engineers created a supergun capable of firing a 233-pound projectile over 75 miles to bombard the citizens of Paris, France. These weapons, The Paris Guns, possessed the potential to achieve an exponential military advantage for the German Military. However, the Germans' folly became clear as they developed a weapon without first considering its ability to achieve the effects they desired. Today, the United States Army seeks to develop superguns capable of exponentially increased range, the strategic long-range cannons. The United States Army has defined a role for these weapons in deterring in competition, and penetrating and dis-integrating anti-access and area denial networks in armed conflict. This study examined the history and effects of The Paris Guns at the strategic level. It then measured the accumulation of these effects across the operational variables. This study concluded that The Paris Guns achieved some strategic effects; however, these effects did not benefit the Germans. Additionally, this study concluded that the United States Army's pursuit of Strategic Long-Range Cannons is viable, provided the pursuit avoids the strategic errors of The Paris Guns during World War I"--
