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The political phenomenon known as the 'Springtime of the Nations'
swept through Europe in 1848, toppling thrones, forcing old
autocratic regimes to grant constitutions to the people and
bringing street fighting and large scale campaigns to cities and
states across the continent. What is not generally known is that a
precursor to these events had already taken place in the centre of
Europe in the Alpine valleys of the collection of independent
states known collectively as Switzerland. In November 1847, twelve
of the Swiss cantons went to war with seven other cantons over the
future of the country. The campaign lasted just three weeks, with
only a few hundred casualties and ended with the establishment of
the modern Swiss state we have today. If it had not ended so
quickly it is likely that France, Austria and Prussia would have
become involved, which would have led to a European-wide war. This
book is unique in that it concentrates on the military aspects of
this episode in history. As well as an outline of the campaign
itself, it covers the strengths and organisation of each canton; in
1847 each was a separate state with its own army. Included are
chapters on the uniforms of the cantons' armies, their battle
flags, weapons and distinguishing badges. The major battle of the
war, at Gislikon (modern Gisikon), a small village with a strategic
river crossing, just north of the city of Luzern, is treated in
detail. As well as the general picture, individual soldiers'
stories illustrate the combat techniques of the period. Biographies
are given of some of the leading figures from both sides of the
conflict, which demonstrate the European dimension. Many served in
French, Dutch and Neapolitan armies before taking appointments in
the Swiss canton armies. To compliment the text the book is well
illustrated with a mixture of contemporary pictures, in colour and
black and white, and also specially produced colour plates of Swiss
canton uniforms and flags. So that the reader can follow the
campaign, maps from official Swiss sources are included. Orders of
battle for all the cantons and detailed orders of battle for the
main action at Gislikon are also provided. This is the latest title
in Helion's ground-breaking series of 19th Century studies, and
will again appear in hardback as a strictly limited edition
printing of 500 copies, each individually numbered and signed by
the author on a decorative title page.
The Franco-German War of 1870-71 saw the demise of one empire, that
of Napoleon III and the birth of another, a German empire under the
rule of the king of Prussia. Many books have been written on the
campaigns and battles of the war, this is the first to centre on
the armies themselves: how they were organised, how they were
armed, what uniforms they were dressed in and how they were
supplied with the essentials of war. Technical innovations changed
the way armies behaved in the field, railways speeded up movement,
the telegraph delivered orders in a fraction of the time and new
weapons altered tactics used on the battlefield. How many uniforms
did a Prussian soldier have and who made them? The newest and best
uniform was reserved for ceremonial use and to go to war in! Other
orders of dress were issued from regimental stores for parades, day
to day wear, field exercises, fatigue duties and walking out. If a
man had the cash, he could buy a uniform for going to the pub on
Saturday night! And the French were not to be outdone, a
description of a Guards' officer's kit lists nine different orders
of dress, without including ball and evening dress. In France most
uniforms were made by private contractors working to government
contracts while Prussian battalions, squadrons and batteries had a
depot company of artisans who made up soldiers' uniforms from
government supplied cloth. Officers had their uniforms made by
private tailors. Developments in armaments were not limited to the
French, the chassepot rifle was a marvel and the mitrailleuse (a
volley gun) could have been a war winner if used properly. The
Bavarians had a mitrailleuse of their own design and they developed
a modern rifle firing a metallic cartridge at a rate of 20 shots a
minute. As well as recently published references, many contemporary
works have been used either in their original form or now available
as digital copies from French and German sources. Many English
language sources have also been used, Australian, New Zealand and
American newspapers all reported on the war for their readers.
There were also many memoirs from soldiers, officers and men as
well as diplomats, volunteers, combatants and those ministering to
the wounded. Equipment is described as well as the medals many men
wore on their chests. The colour section illustrates many of the
lesser known uniforms worn during the war. Annotated reading list.
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