What method was suggested by early military strategists to reduce civilian morale during conflict?

The method of bombarding civilian centers was suggested by early military strategists as a means to reduce civilian morale during conflict. This approach was predicated on the belief that directly attacking the places where civilians live would instill fear and disrupt the social fabric of the enemy population. The idea was that if civilians were made to feel unsafe and threatened, their resolve to support the war effort would weaken. By targeting civilian centers, the military aimed to create a psychological impact that could demoralize both the civilian population and the military force that relied on their support.

Historical precedents can be seen in various conflicts where cities and towns were bombed to undermine the enemy's will to fight, as attacking civilian morale was viewed as a way to hasten the end of a war. This strategy relied on the psychological aspect of warfare, understanding that civilian support for a war could be as crucial as military action on the battlefield.