Combat facts for kids

"Combate Naval de Iquique" - oil on canvas painting by Thomas Somerscales, 19th century

Combat or fighting is when two or more people, groups, or organizations use force against each other. It's usually done on purpose to gain control or show who is stronger. The word "combat" often refers to armed conflict between armies during a war. The broader term "fighting" can mean any violent struggle, like in boxing or wrestling matches. While combat can be a one-sided attack, fighting usually involves at least some defense. However, these words are often used to mean the same thing.

What is Combat?

Combat is a serious clash between different sides. It can involve individuals, small groups, or even large armies. The main goal is often to defeat an opponent or achieve a specific aim. This might be to protect something, gain territory, or settle a disagreement.

Types of Combat

Combat can happen in many ways. It can be a hand-to-hand struggle between two people. It can also be a large-scale battle involving thousands of soldiers.

Hand-to-Hand Combat

This type of combat involves fighting without weapons. Examples include:

• Boxing: A sport where two people punch each other with padded gloves.
• Wrestling: A sport where opponents try to pin each other down or make them give up.
• Martial arts: Different fighting styles like karate or judo, often practiced for sport or self-defense.

Armed Combat

Armed combat uses weapons. This is often what people think of when they hear "combat."

• Small-scale armed combat: This might be a fight between a few people using knives or sticks.
• Large-scale armed combat: This involves armies using many different weapons. These can include guns, tanks, planes, and ships. This is what happens in war.

Why Do Conflicts Happen?

Conflicts that lead to combat can start for many reasons. Sometimes, groups want control over land or resources. Other times, differences in beliefs or ideas can cause problems.

• Control over resources: Groups might fight over things like water, oil, or valuable minerals.
• Territory: Countries or groups might go to war to control certain areas of land.
• Political differences: People might fight because they have very different ideas about how a country should be run.
• Self-defense: Sometimes, combat happens when one side needs to protect itself from an attack.

Famous Battles in History

Throughout history, there have been many important battles. These events often changed the course of history.

• The Battle of Gettysburg (1863): This was a major battle during the American Civil War. It was a turning point for the Union (Northern) forces.
• The Battle of Iquique (1879): This was a naval battle during the War of the Pacific. It involved ships from Chile and Peru.

Images for kids

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  The Battle of Gettysburg, by Thure de Thulstrup.

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  Naval combat of Iquique, 21 May 1879 - oil on canvas painting by Thomas Somerscales, 19th century.

See also

In Spanish: Combate para niños