Force concentration was integral to the Prussian military operational doctrine of the mass of decision the target of which was to cause disproportionate losses on the enemy, and therefore destroy the enemy's ability to fight.
From an empirical examination of past battles the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz was able to conclude:-
...we may infer, that it is very difficult in the present state of Europe, for the most talented general to gain a victory over an enemy double his strength. Now if we see double numbers prove such a weight in the scale against the greatest generals, we may be sure, that in ordinary cases, in small as well as great combats, an important superiority in numbers but which need not be over two to one, will be sufficient to ensure the victory, however disadvantageous other circumstances maybe... —On War, Book 3, Superiority of numbers.
Such calculations led to the adoption of the military doctrine of attrition.
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