When Is a Game Not a Game?
Updated: Aug 14
Militaries around the world have long used tabletop wargames to train minds as well as to test and train strategies and tactics before implementing them on the battlefield. The Kingdom of Prussia’s surprising victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War has been attributed to, among other things, the Prussian military’s practice of wargaming. Success, of course, encourages imitation.
Below are links to various videos and a Wikipedia article that you may find interesting (most of the videos are relatively short and one is over two hours long). By clicking on the links you can discover the history of military wargaming, how the United States military has used and continues to use wargames as a means of preparing its leaders for future wars and military operations, and how recreational wargaming for civilians (and military members) developed and grew into a popular hobby.
“How Did War Become a Game?”
“What is Kriegsspiel?”
Kriegsspiel Wikipedia article
“Historical Naval Wargaming Kit Demo (US Naval War College Museum)”
“How Does the US Navy Run Wargames? - A Guided Tour of the US Naval War College Wargaming Facilities”
“Introducing 'Down Range' - The U.S. Marine Corps Table-Top Wargame”
“Student Wargaming Activities Address Sponsors’ Direct Needs”
“A Quick History of Wargames”
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