What term refers to the military strategy known as a "lightning war," characterized by rapid and overwhelming assaults?

The term that refers to the military strategy characterized by rapid and overwhelming assaults is Blitzkrieg. This strategy was notably employed by the German forces during World War II to achieve quick victories through coordinated attacks involving infantry, tanks, and air support. The essence of Blitzkrieg lies in its emphasis on speed and surprise, aiming to disrupt and dismantle the enemy's ability to respond effectively before they have a chance to regroup or prepare a defense.

In contrast, guerrilla warfare refers to irregular tactics used by smaller, mobile groups against larger traditional forces, typically marked by ambushes and hit-and-run strategies. Trench warfare, associated primarily with World War I, involved soldiers fighting from fortified positions, resulting in stalemates and prolonged conflict, rather than fast-paced assaults. Shock and awe, while similar in intention to achieve rapid dominance, is a more modern military doctrine that uses overwhelming force and spectacular displays of power to influence enemy morale and decision-making, rather than the combined arms tactics central to Blitzkrieg. Thus, Blitzkrieg is the most accurate term describing the specific strategy of lightning war.