War and Peace, Book 14: 1812, Chapter 2 summary
Book 14: 1812, Chapter 2 of 365 · 4 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 2, the narrator argues that an army’s strength depends on its willingness to fight as well as its size, using guerrilla warfare to challenge accepted military rules. The contrast between French concentration and Russian dispersal in 1812 makes army spirit, rather than commanders or equipment, the central factor in the argument.
What happens
- The narrator describes scattered fighters defeating concentrated forces and challenges the rule that attackers must gather superior numbers.
- An analogy with momentum introduces an unknown factor that turns troop numbers into military strength.
- The narrator identifies this factor as soldiers’ willingness to fight and face danger, rather than leadership, weapons, or formation.
- A numerical example proposes comparing losses to establish ratios between opposing armies’ fighting spirit.
- The French gather together during their retreat, while confident Russians attack in small units without orders.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
Quick check
Why do the Russians divide into small units in 1812?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Guerre et Paix, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
