The Age of Napoleon Podcast Episode Six: The King's Army
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May 30, 2017 Topics include military life in the 18th century, officer culture, battles, desertion, the poor man of Toggenburg, the impact of the French Revolution on warfare, harsh discipline and brutality in armies, limited wars and cautious strategies, the slow pace of warfare, 18th century infantry tactics, chaotic battle and unexpected attack
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A Recruit's Memoir Illuminates Camp Life
- Ulrich Breker, a Swiss recruit in the Prussian army, left a vivid memoir of ordinary soldier life.
- The memoir supplies granular, humane details that illuminate common soldiers' experiences.
Discipline By Fear Created Military Precision
- 18th-century armies relied on terror and harsh discipline to enforce obedience rather than voluntary loyalty.
- This psychological breaking produced mechanically obedient troops who excelled at steady fire-and-maneuver drills.
Prussian Punishments Were Visceral
- Breker describes Prussian punishments: running the gauntlet until blood clotted and standing five-hour drills laced tight.
- He and comrades suffered brutal physical abuse regularly from officers and nobles.