How Prussia built a modern army from conquest to consolidation
A clear, authoritative look at the origins, reforms, and wartime planning that shaped the Prussian and North German armies in the 19th century.
The book presents a focused study of Prussia’s military system, from early defeats to the reorganizations that formed a cohesive fighting force. It traces the rise of the Landwehr, the balance between standing troops and citizen soldiers, and the reforms that made large-scale mobilization possible. The text surveys key changes from the post-Napoleonic era through the 1860s, including the treatment of officers, reserves, and the complex logistics of remounts, clothing, and equipment.
Contents highlighted in this edition show how manpower, administration, and war-Establishments were planned for major conflicts and how neighboring states were integrated into a broader military framework. The material covers practical topics such as troop organization, mobilization procedures, and the distribution of forces across corps, divisions, and regiments, alongside the social and political context that influenced policy decisions.
- Origins of the Landwehr and the shift toward a mixed system of regulars and part-time soldiers
- Reorganizations and reforms that shaped peacetime training, rotation, and readiness
- Mobilization planning, supply chains, and the horse remount network
- Interstate arrangements and the wartime structure of the army in the German context
Ideal for readers of military history and 19th‑century European conflict, seeking a concise, pivotal view of how Prussia built its fighting strength.