Final answer:
While the element of surprise has been historically significant in military strategy, its absence does not guarantee failure. Examples from the American Revolution, World War II, and the Gulf Wars illustrate this, indicating that technology, strategy, and logistics also critically determine the outcome of an attack.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element of surprise has been a critical factor in many military engagements throughout history. When analyzing whether the American attack would have worked without it, historical examples provide insight into the outcomes of such strategies. The surprise Tet Offensive by Communist forces in Vietnam, despite prior tactics favoring hit-and-run attacks, momentarily confused U.S. commanders but eventually did not achieve strategic victory. Similarly, General Washington's surprise evacuation in the face of British forces exemplifies the effectiveness of stealth and surprise to avoid a detrimental engagement.
Considering conflicts like World War II, surprise attacks such as the Japanese strike on Pearl Harbor aimed to quickly undermine the opponent's capacity to respond, as was the expectation with potential targets in Germany if they hadn't surrendered before the bomb's development. Furthermore, Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle's surprise raid on Tokyo aimed to boost American morale and showcase the vulnerability of Japan. These incidents underline the potential for failure when the element of surprise is taken out of the equation. For example, poor intelligence led to Washington's inadequate preparation for a British attack during the revolutionary war, demonstrating the consequences of being caught off-guard.
In contrast, the absence of surprise in the American-led invasion of Iraq during the Gulf Wars, where the overwhelming display of air power and rapid ground force deployment still led to overwhelming victory, shows that while valuable, surprise is not the sole determiner of success. Ultimately, while the absence of surprise can significantly affect the outcome of an attack, various factors like technological superiority, military strategy, and logistical capabilities also play vital roles.