In "The Guns of August," Barbara W. Tuchman discusses military strategist Carl von Clausewitz's views on prolonged warfare. He strongly criticized campaigns that drag on, viewing them as detrimental to the overall objectives of war. Clausewitz believed that strategic decisiveness should be prioritized over extended conflicts.

He specifically warned against the concept of a war of attrition or "gradual reduction" of the enemy, equating such tactics to a perilous trap. Clausewitz's insights emphasize the importance of swift and effective military action instead of engaging in drawn-out battles that could lead to significant failures and prolonged suffering.