Scorched-earth defense
The scorched-earth defense is a form of risk arbitrage and anti-takeover strategy.
Hut Tax War of 1898
As frustration grew, Governor Cardew realized that the war not easily winnable so he ordered a "scorched earth policy" wherein the British would burn entire villages, farmlands, and pastures. This change in tactics tremendously affected Bai Bureh's war effort due to the reduction of provisions to feed not only his warriors but his subjects as well. He also realized that the cost of reparations was getting insurmountable as the British were relentless in pursuing the new policy.