--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The basic principle that we must follow…" description: "\"The basic principle that we must follow in directing the armies of the Republic is this: that they must feed themselves on war at the expense of the en..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc5/napoleon-bonaparte-206_army_the-basic-principle-that-we-must-follow_1571339.jpg" --- # The basic principle that we must follow in directing the… ![“The basic principle that we must follow in directing the armies of the Republic is this: that they must feed themselves on war at the expense of the enemy territory.” quote by Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc5/napoleon-bonaparte-206_army_the-basic-principle-that-we-must-follow_1571339.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc5/napoleon-bonaparte-206_army_the-basic-principle-that-we-must-follow_1571339.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cc5/napoleon-bonaparte-206_army_the-basic-principle-that-we-must-follow_1571339.jpg) > “The basic principle that we must follow in directing the armies of the Republic is this: that they must feed themselves on war at the expense of the enemy territory.” [Napoleon Bonaparte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/napoleon-bonaparte/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A commander should sustain his forces by seizing resources from the opponent’s land rather than relying on own supplies. **In simple terms:** Armies should live off enemy territory. Key Takeaway Use enemy resources to keep troops supplied. Themes military strategy logistics resource acquisition Mood strategic harsh Type military historical When to use this quote - campaign planning - siege warfare - expeditionary operations Key Concepts total war self‑sufficiency economic warfare Questions to Reflect On - How does this principle affect civilian populations? - What are ethical limits of such tactics? A Different Perspective Relying on enemy supplies can overextend lines and provoke resistance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Army](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/army/) [Basic principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/basic-principles/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Principle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Republic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/republic/) [Territory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/territory/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [We can never have too much preparation and training. We must be a strong competitor. 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