Traditionally, a blockade refers to a military maneuver designed to close off access to a place held by hostile forces. This tactic is used in order to prevent the escape of an enemy, as well as to keep supplies or reinforcements from entering, eventually forcing the enemy's surrender.
Types
Blockades are most commonly thought of as occurring at sea, with ships denying entrance to an enemy port or harbor. However, blockades can also be accomplished with a group of infantrymen preventing passage on a main road or even with electronic warfare that blocks communications.
Effects
In addition to preventing the arrival of replacement troops and weaponry, a successful blockade is designed to keep out food, necessities, medical care and information about how the conflict is progressing elsewhere, forcing the opposition to reach a breaking point.
Features
A successful blockade is based at a location valuable to the opposing side, utilizes a force of equal or greater strength than that of the opposing force. The force must take a position on advantageous terrain.
History
Blockades were used effectively by the British during the War of 1812, the Union forces during the American Civil War, the U.S. (against Japan) during World War II and the Soviets in the Berlin Blockade of 1948-49.
Significance
A successful blockade is one of the most effective military strategies, and it has frequently been the deciding factor in a conflict. This form of economic warfare cripples civilian and military supply runs as well as morale; it can often weaken an otherwise strong force to the point of defeat.
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