Written by an expert on the Prussian army of the Napoleonic era, this is a fascinating insight into the 18th-century evolution of the Prussian forces into the war-winning troops of the final battles against Napoleon. Using contemporary materials including drill regulations, instructions, staff and regimental histories and after-action reports, this book provides a compelling history of Prussian tactics from 1792 until 1815. It includes studies of the professional Prussian army during the Revolutionary Wars and the mass mobilization of a conscript army that fought during the Wars of Liberation and Waterloo. Following on from the success of Osprey's other Elite Tactics volumes, this is a must-have for serious students of Napoleonic warfare, armchair generals, and wargamers alike.
By:
Peter Hofschröer
Illustrated by:
Mr Adam Hook
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Volume: 182
Dimensions:
Height: 248mm,
Width: 184mm,
Spine: 7mm
Weight: 220g
ISBN: 9781846035098
ISBN 10: 1846035090
Series: Elite
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 20 May 2012
Audience:
General/trade
,
Professional and scholarly
,
ELT Advanced
,
Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
• The Legacy of Frederick the Great: The experience of the Seven Years War, the drill regulations, the economic and political situation in Prussia · • Garrison Life at the End of the 18th Century: Frederick William II's mismanagement of the economy and the effects of spending cuts on the army's preparations for war. The role of the army in society. Training and the autumn manoeuvres · • The Early Reforms: The evolution of a light arm and increase in the numbers of light troops. Officer training and the transformation of the general staff from an instrument of royal military policy to the brain of the army · • The Experience of the Revolutionary Wars: From the Cannonade of Valmy to the Peace of Basle. Drill regulations and tactics in the war in the Palatinate · • The Ten Year Peace: An army at peace, but not asleep. The annexations in Poland and the subsequent expansion and reorganisation of the army · • Jena and Auerstedt : The myth and the reality. How the Prussian army actually fought. The tactical situations · • The Later Reforms: The first combined arms regulations in Prussian history · • Mass-Mobilisation: From conscript army to levée-en-masse. Command and control of an inadequately trained army. The “new” tactics – a stroke of genius or a reaction to necessity? · • The Wars of Liberation: Learning on the job. How the “new” army fought. The evolution of tactical systems from the experience of battle · • Waterloo & Beyond: How the army of raw levies defeated Napoleon. The tactical systems adapted on Prussia's expansion westwards · • Conclusion: How the lessons of the Napoleonic Wars influenced the development of tactical systems in early 19th century Prussia.
