What tactical principle did the British apply at Bladensburg?

• A. Defense
• B. Offensive
• C. Guerrilla warfare
• D. Passive resistance

Answer: (B)

The tactical principle on display is offensive action—launching an aggressive attack to seize the initiative and defeat the defender. At Bladensburg, British forces advanced and pressed a coordinated assault on the American position, using disciplined infantry supported by artillery to break the line and push toward Washington. This direct, forward approach aimed to overwhelm the defenders and seize the objective, rather than sitting back, waiting to be attacked, or using irregular guerrilla methods. The other options don’t fit because defense would mean holding ground rather than taking it, guerrilla warfare involves irregular, hit-and-run tactics not characteristic of regular British troops in this engagement, and passive resistance refers to nonviolent opposition, which isn’t applicable to this battle.