Question

Write a note on scorched earth policy.

Answer 1

Hint: The Scorched Earth policy was a technique used in the $19^{th}$ and the $20^{th}$ century wars where the losing side would try its hands at victory by inflicting damage to all the resources that might be useful for the enemies, should they take control of the region. This was done to make the position of the enemy weaker so that the territory might be recaptured easily.

Complete answer:
Although the term might sound otherwise geographical, the scorched earth policy is a hardcore military concept wherein all the useful assets of the enemy are completely destroyed including obvious weapons, industrial and communication sites, transportation facilities or food supplies.
This practice, which includes a lot of precision and alertness can be carried out in the territory of the enemy as well as home territory when being invaded. This policy is both operational and politically strategic. Now, historically, there have been several notable historic examples of scorched-earth policy, which include William Tecumseh Sherman's March to the Sea in the American Civil War, Kit Carson's subjugation of the American Navajo Indians, Lord Kitchener's advance against the Boers, and the setting of fire of 605 to 732 oil wells by retreating Iraqi military forces in the Gulf War.
Also some more notable usages were in the Russian army's strategies during the failed Swedish invasion of Russia, the failed Napoleonic invasion of Russia etc.

Note: During recent times however a modification has been made with regards to this policy, a situation in which a company gets rid of the best parts of its business to make it less attractive to another company that might want to buy it, is considered to be scorched earth policy. For example, it might sell off its assets or take a huge debt and waste the money or declare itself to be a defaulter. This policy was discontinued after the Geneva Convention in 1977.