Military reforms in Prussia and Austria

Question 1

What caused the military reform in Prussia and what was implemented?

Answer 1

• Near collapse of Prussia following defeats dealt by Napoleon at Jena and Auerstedt in 1806
• Outdated tactics and slow unwieldy formations often lost battles
• Replaced mercenary forces with national ones
• Hardenburg’s reforms created a meritocracy and the officers corp was purged to introduce competitive examination for commissions
• By 1913, conscription of all men aged 17-40 and universal military training introduced, with men serving 30 months and joining a reserve force after
• Soldiers no more suffered degrading punishments
• Technological advancements such as bayonets introduced

Question 2

What caused the military reform in Austria and what was implemented?

Answer 2

• Military reform in 1805 by Von Liebrich brought about national armies instead of mercenary ones
• Introduction of light infantry friekorps and from 1808 seperate jager battalions - were easier to deploy on battlefields
• All Austrian troops were made sure to be well supplied and equipped

Question 3

What were the causes, events and impacts of the war with Austria in 1809?

Answer 3

• Austria attempted another struggle with Napoleon after weakness was shown in the Peninsular war
• Battle of Aspern caused the first significant defeat of Napoleon’s career with 20,000 casualties and a retreat
• 2nd to the 4th of July 1809 caused 30,000 casualties to each army and a surrender by Austria
• Treaty of Schonbrunn was signed that forced Austria to:
  - Give up large territories and
  populations to Napoleon
  - reduce their army to
  150,000
  - pay reparations of
  85,000,000 to France
  - Had to enforce the
  continental blockade
• Caused more tensions and want for Napoleon’s downfall