The 3 Most Drawn-Out Military Sieges of All Time

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The most drawn-out military sieges can result in the deaths of thousands of people. War is a time when a country realizes the value of each resident. It is wise to learn from the most drawn-out military battles in order to understand how countries can avoid getting into those situations in the future. Some of the most drawn-out military battles have actually occurred under wrongful assumptions, and it is sad to think that a war may have no valid basis at all. When innocent members of society die in war, we must learn how to avoid war in the future. Here are three of the most drawn-out military sieges of all time and how we can avoid ever getting into a similar situation in the future.

  1. The Siege of Leningrad
The Siege of Leningrad took place from 1941 to 1944. Over one million people died in this horrific battle. The siege took place during World War II. Adolf Hitler strategically encircled the city for years in order to deconstruct its economy and place the people into true suffering. It is horrific to think of the ways in which people suffered during this siege. After the coal supply was completely drained in this city, the city no longer had any valuable goods to support its economy. People starved to death in the streets of Leningrad. This was one of the most horrific battles of World War II.

2. Vietnam War
Vietnam lasted for over 19 years. This drawn-out war started when the United States attempted to teach the South Vietnamese residents to rebel against the rulers in North Vietnam. Other countries were eventually involved in this war too. Cambodia and Laos were also forced to become part of the Vietnam War. It was one of the deadliest wars to begin in 1956. Over 58,000 Americans lost their lives as a result of being involved in the Vietnam War. The war ended unsuccessfully in 1975. The soldiers of North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam and more bloody conflict resulted. America pulled its troops out of Vietnam, and the war went down as one of the most unsuccessful wars pursued by the United States.

3. Guatemalan Civil War
The Guatemalan Civil War lasted for more than 30 years. There were a small group of military officials who revolted against Guatemala in 1960. The war lasted until 1996. Terrorism continued to impact all of the residents of Guatemala throughout this period. It cost the lives of thousands of Guatemala residents, scholars and other prominent members of society. Holding adverse political views to the authorities often resulted in death or imprisonment.

These are some of the most drawn-out military sieges of all time, and they can serve as learning lessons for all societies. A country can learn that war is not something to be declared at a whim. They also should not last for longer than necessary. It is always inevitable that innocent lives will be lost during war time.

About Today's Guest Writer:
Paul Roberts is a military historian and guest author at MilitaryEducation.org. Click here to view a list of the top 10 online military friendly colleges.