Prussian Napoleonic Tactics 1792–1815: (Elite)

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.

Table of Contents:
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.

About the Author :
Peter Hofschröer has been a regular contributor to Osprey for many years now, writing on various Napoleonic battles and the forces of the German states of the period. In his ground-breaking Wellington's Smallest Victory, he told Captain William Siborne's story in full for the first time. His award-winning study 1815: The Waterloo Campaign is regarded as one of the standard works on the subject. Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and the history of fortification. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.