Prussian Generals - part 1, setting the stage

Since the series is complete, I put all parts in one post, go here to read it: Prussian Generals

What can agilistas learn from 19th century Prussian generals? Not much, it would seem. But bear with me, all will be revealed.

But let us start at the beginning. The year was 1800, and the Napoleonic wars are in full swing. Napoleon had a pleasant problem, with too many soldiers to command. Reform was necessary, and he came up with the concept of army corps (Corps d'Armée). A corps was a mini army with its own infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and a fairly independent commander. All in all about 20-30,000 men. The general staff was used to help control all corps in the army. A general staff in the modern sense was a product of the French revolution, and Napoleon benefited enormously from its invention.

French army size at Austerlitz and Wagram

As Napoleon demonstrated the superiority of his style of warfare, other nations started to copy his and France' ideas. Prussia was an early adopter of the French ideas, and it was Prussia who would carry the torch after the demise of Napoleon.

part 2