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Saira Delgado
Ms. Bergen
English 10-3
11 October 2010
Roman Research Paper Outline
I.
Introduction
a. Many know that he is one of the greatest military generals in the history of the world; yet
very few people know about Hannibal’s personal character.
b. Thesis: Hannibal not only showed great courage as a military general in the Second Punic
War, he showed determination to win the war for his own reasons and showed that he
believed he could beat the odds set against him and be a great war hero.
II.
Main Points
a. Point 1
i.
Importance of military strategic skills, logic, and reason in Second Punic War
ii.
Evidence/Support
1.
Hannibal destroys a force with sheer number advantage: “The astonishing
feat had been performed of causing the Roman centre to envelop itself
with a force little more than half its numbers!” (Baker 137).
2.
Hannibal’s legacy in the military: “Amongst generals, Napoleon compared
him to Frederick the Great and Alexander, and Montgomery wrote of his
‘tactical genius’, while amongst historians Theodor Mommsen called him
‘a military genius of heroic status’ and John Keegan saw him as a
commander ‘of outstanding ability.’” (Peddie xi).
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iii.
Interpretation
1.
Hannibal’s confidence in himself and faith in his troops
2.
Hannibal’s distinguishing actions that create his legacy and what is used
as a model for military commanders today
iv.
Conclusion Point 1: Hannibal’s logic defeats larger Roman army; his strategies
referenced to often by later generals
b. Point 2
i.
Hannibal’s reasons for fighting the war
ii.
Support
1.
Hannibal’s obligation to lead the defense of his homeland: “From the very
first day of his command Hannibal acted as if he had definite instructions
to take Italy as his sphere of operations and to make war of Rome.” (Livy
26).
2.
Death of father Hamilcar and brother-in-law Hasdrubal: “When the news
came that Hannibal had been elected by the army to fill his place, the
choice was accepted as a matter of course… So the matter stood. The
Romans had no comment to make.” (Baker 74).
iii.
Evaluation
1.
Hannibal felt responsibility to lead his homeland where he grew up
2.
Hannibal obligated to finish what father and brother started; prepared to
lead army after being soldier and traveling with father
iv.
Conclusion of Point 2: Hannibal’s reasons for fighting the war personal and close
at heart; personal motivation to honor family and homeland
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c. Point 3
i.
Others’ influence on Hannibal’s ability and judgment: Carthaginians and Romans
ii.
Evidence:
1.
Philosophy of conflict due to friendship and enemies: “For I think that
men in these circumstances are compelled, not occasionally but frequently
either by the suggestions of friends or the complexity of affairs, to speak
and act contrary to real principles.” (Polybius)
2.
Previous military history within Hannibal’s family: “Hamilcar was one of
those men who arise to supply a demand.” (Baker 45)
3.
Influence of Roman forces’ movements on Hannibal’s strategies:
“Hannibal was too wise to attempt to attack the Roman entrenchments, but
it was necessary to get the Romans to move.” (Baker 133)
iii.
iv.
Evaluation:
1.
Anyone can be influenced, for good or not
2.
Previous military history provides guideline for Hannibal’s strategies
3.
Had to maneuver around Roman forces; amend his tactics
Conclusion of Point 3: Hannibal affected by close influences during war;
philosophy of conflict supports his actions
d. Point 4
i.
Effects of the war caused by Hannibal
ii.
Evidence
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1.
Drastic change in both Roman and Carthaginian perspective: “Of all that
befell the Romans and Carthaginians, good or bad, the cause was one man
and one mind – Hannibal.” (Polybius)
2.
Conditions of surrender to Rome: “So at long last the city of Carthage was
compelled to accept the condition that the Barcas had vowed they would
never accept, of being a friend of the Romans.” (Lamb 251)
3.
Hannibal still loses war, but gains a limited freedom for Carthage:
“Ironically the peace of 201 found Rome, the victor, deeply enmeshed in
conflict while Carthage, the vanquished, became free to go about her
affairs.” (Lamb 259)
iii.
Evaluation
1.
Hannibal caused a large amount of damage: Carthage now considered a
looming threat to Rome
iv.
2.
Hannibal attempts to defend the honor of his homeland
3.
Manipulates Scipio Africanus and gains positive for Carthage
Conclusion: Hannibal’s strategy affected results of war for both Carthage and
Rome; perspective of both lands changed
III.
Conclusion
a. Hannibal’s military strategy and logic affected the results of the war; influence of others
and personal reasons for fighting motivation; effects of war different from both sides of
the war
b. Hannibal was a great military leader and a courageous war hero because of his skill, his
motivation, and his ability to bring the best to his homeland.
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Works Cited
Baker, G.P. Hannibal. New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1967.
Canter, H.V. “The Character of Hannibal.” The Classical Journal 24.8 (1929): 564-77. JSTOR.
Web. 6 Oct 2010.
Lamb, Harold. Hannibal: One Man Against Rome. Garden City, New York: Doubleday &
Company, Inc., 1958.
Livy. The War With Hannibal. London: Penguin Books, 1965.
Peddie, John. Hannibal’s War. Gloucestershire: Sutton Publishing Limited, 1997.
Polybius. “Book IX, Chapters 22-26.” The Histories. Fordham.edu Ancient History Sourcebook.
Web. 11 Oct. 2010.