eli5 Why is it so important to „capture“ the capital city in a war?

Question

Does it really change the outcome of the war? Does a country fall when the capital city is captured?

In: 462

Answer 1

Because it’s the seat of government, most of the ruling and leading the war is going to be done there, and it will be harder to lead a country somewhere else that doesn’t have that infrastructure.

Also it’s a symbolic thing as well. That country couldn’t protect its most important city, that would demoralize their forces.