Civilian Control
I think when the art of war not contained, and it was right for the government to impose martial law to provide order rather than having a prolonged period of tumult. These methods are extreme, but, at the same time, are vital in finding state stability. Depopulation happened in counties hugging the Missouri-Kansas state line where guerilla warfare had its strongholds and antecedents. I see that the primary purpose of this depopulation in rural areas was to eliminate any armed resistance outside the areas under the control of the Union forces (Wade, 1965). The affected inhabitants vacated their premises within a week and allowed to return after they had proved to be loyal to the district commanders. Those who could not prove their loyalty had to leave the area entirely and union soldiers confiscated livestock, burnt homesteads, and destroyed all grain supplies.
I think Generals order intended to prevent guerillas from finding shelter, food, and supplies among the confederate sympathizers in western Missouri, and Such orthodox methods to contain war are far much beyond the deprival of human rights, but prove to be ideal. The policy brought undue hardships upon innocent omen, children, and several unionist households as scorched earth policy emerged to be effective (McClurken, 2016).
I think It was right for the government to use brutal power other than the Taliban taking advantage of the situation to bread out. Making conditions hard for hosting life proves to be the best weapon for the weaker force to raise arms and surrender. I think the government had no better option other than imposing martial law to counteract the insurgency.
REFERENCES
- Wade, R. C. (1965). Frontier Community: Kansas City to 1870. By A. Theodore Brown. (Columbia: University of Missouri Press. 1963. Pp. viii. 235. $5.95.).
- McClurken, J. (Ed.). (2016). Civil War on the Western Border: The Missouri-Kansas Conflict, 1854–1865.