Prussia

what battle did Frederick the great first use the oblique order?

1745: first used by Frederick at Battle of Hohenfriedberg to defeat Austro-Saxon army. Austrians and Saxons suffered over 4 times casualties than Prussians.

Helmuth von Moltke the Elder (1800-91).

1857 Moltke was given the position Chief of the Prussian General Staff, a position he held for the next 30 years. he went to work making changes to the strategic and tactical methods of the Prussian army; changes in armament and in means of communication; changes in the training of staff officers (such as instituting staff rides); and changes to the method for the mobilization of the army. He pushed the Prussian army to utilize the needle gun and railways which was major to the Danish surrender.

What was the line of succession in Prussia from 1701-1888?

Frederick William, Frederick William I, Frederick II the great, Frederick William II, Frederick William III, Frederick William IV, William I.

Major battles for Frederick the great

Battle of Rossbach. Frederick decisively defeats Franco-Austrian army despite being outnumbered 22,000 to 41,200. One month later Frederick triumphs at the Battle of Leuthen. Defeats an Austrian army of 80,000 with 34,000 men

How did Prussia maintain a stable economy and train men?

Every eligible man had to spend at least 3 months serving the Prussian military each year. This meant that even though these soldiers weren't always serving when the time came for a war they could be called upon and be very disciplined at warfare. This also had an economic advantage as soldiers could return to their farms etc.

Why was the Prussian Military so well trained?

Frederick I, had developed a military national identity. Leaders often thought a lot about drilling and new tactics to use on the battlefields such as Frederick the greats incorporation of the oblique order (recorded in 4th c by vegetius) which the Thebans used to defeat the Spartans in 371bc

What was Frederick the I achievements for Prussia?

Frederick William, I laid the foundations for an efficient, bureaucratic, militaristic state. By 1740 Prussia had an army of 80,000, 4th largest in Europe. The military was central to national identity.

Seven years war

Frederick the great earned his title of the great because of his efforts during the 7 years war. He was able to hold of three major powers; Russia, Austria, and France. He won the Major battle such as Rossbach and Leuthen.

What was Frederick William's achievements for Prussia?

His reforms saw Brandenburg-Prussia become a military and economic power, and expand its territory.

Harnesses power of industrialisation

In 1854 the German confederation had built 7,500 miles of railways, which were laid out strategically to defend all of its borders. By 1860 Prussia had built 3,500 miles.

What advantages did Prussian troops have in term of technology and training?

The Prussians made use of the flintlock musket which could be loaded and fired 2 times faster than European armies because of Drills. Later in 1848 the needle rifle would be used which could fire and reload from the ground.

The Austrian- Prussian war. 1866

The battle of Koniggatz July 3 1866, Prussians won the battle even though Austrians had the numerical superiority, because of the needle gun and superior organisation and tactics. Austria lost 7 times more men than Prussia, they were quick to seek peace after this battle.

What was Frederick the greats achievements for Prussia?

continued Prussia's military expansion. Frederick II used military force to further aims of state - for example, by 1740 invasion of Silesia.