WARS AND SOLDIERS IN THE EARLY REIGN OF LOUIS XIV: Volume 7 - German Armies, 1660-1687 -- Part 1

1-2195871

Examines the development of several German states' disciplined military that produced outstanding armies after the Peace of Westphalia. Germany supplied mercenary troops to major and minor powers in Europe, and the military state, usually exemplified by Prussia, became a crucial part of German history. Includes 16 color plates and 100 b/w illustrations.

However, Germany was apparently weak and internally divided into a multitude of states that constantly faced a hostile environment formed by belligerent great powers. Moreover, the German military existed within a system of collective security, internal conflict, and resolution that allowed a rich variety of political traditions to coexist. This system tried to preserve Germany against formidable attacks without making it a danger to the security of its neighbors. In contrast to the political culture of later German states, that of the this 'Reich' was inherently defensive, preferring peace to war in domestic politics and external relations. The book also includes unpublished iconography.