Final answer:
The U.S. war strategy was based on comprehensive preparation, utilizing its vast industrial capacity to supply troops and resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States' war strategy relied heavily on several fundamentals, including preparation, industrial capacity, recruitment, leadership, and strategic planning. American military strategy during various conflicts, such as World War II and the Vietnam War, reflected an emphasis on overwhelming resources and firepower. In World War II, the US focused on mobilizing a massive force, with estimates suggesting the need for nine million troops to achieve victory in Europe and Asia. The leadership of individuals like Dwight D. Eisenhower was critical in the European theater of operations.
During the Vietnam War, the strategy under General William Westmoreland emphasized superior U.S. firepower, with both ground forces and aerial bombardments designed to deplete enemy forces, despite territorial gains not being the primary objective. This approach reflected a realization that direct land offensives could result in significant U.S. casualties, which led to a preference for bombing campaigns under presidents Johnson and Nixon, though this was historically seen as an inefficient method.
Overall, the industrial capacity of the United States and its ability to supply and equip a large military force have been pivotal in its war strategies. While material superiority was a consistent theme, the ideological commitment of opponents like the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) played a substantial role in the prolonged nature of such conflicts.