Final answer:
The major snafu in the British assault can be attributed to lack of planning, miscommunication, inadequate resources, and poor leadership. Historical instances and theoretical military strategies both underline these factors as crucial in determining the success or failure of military operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cause of the major snafu (chaos) in the British assault during World War I can be attributed to multiple factors, including lack of planning, miscommunication, inadequate resources, and poor leadership. Issues like the shell crisis highlight the role of inadequate resources; historical records regarding military strategies indicate that both lack of planning and poor leadership were at play, with leaders being sometimes too strong or too weak, leading to either insubordination or collapse. Miscommunication, as evidenced by General Washington's confusion during the American Revolution about the British's intentions, also significantly contributed to the chaos in military operations.
Based on the references provided, one can deduce that an ineffective general may suffer from miscommunication, lead to disorganization due to unclear orders, lack thorough preparations for an attack, or underestimate the enemy. These shortcomings can result in a disastrous military campaign, with the potential for a complete rout when engaging superior enemy forces without adequate preparation or understanding of the enemy's strength.