Final answer:
The general disbanded his army after a defeat, which means formally dissolving the military unit and sending the soldiers home. Therefore, the correct option is c. Disbanded
Step-by-step explanation:
After his defeat in the war, the general disbanded his army and went into retirement. This means the general formally dissolved his military force, sending the soldiers home as there was no longer a need for the army to be assembled. This term does not imply that the members of the army were fired or executed, or that they retired from military service themselves. Instead, it indicates that the organizational structure that bound them as a military unit was dismantled, often occurring after the conclusion of a war or when a state no longer has the means or need to maintain such a force.
Instances of armies being disbanded are recorded throughout history following conflicts such as Napoléon’s retreat or the British withdrawal from battles. Disbanding an army can be a complex process, influenced by a range of factors including the scale of the defeat, the political context, and the condition of the treasury.