Frederick II, King of Prussia - Research Paper Example

Introduction Out of all figures within military history, Frederick II proves to be most fascinating since he was not only a military leader but also a soldier, strategist, statesman, musician, philosopher, and poet. Frederick II (the great), King of Prussia was a successful military leader and domestic reformer. Alexander II was able to hold off armies of Russia, Austria, and France supported by his superior manoeuvring, skill, and timing during the Seven Years War, (1756-1763. Frederick II was King of Prussia (1740-1786) of the Hohenzollern dynasty and prominent for his brilliance in military campaigning and the organization of Prussian armies. Majority of military strategists perceive him as a brilliant military thinker while critics accuse him of being a power-hungry tyrant willing to go to any length to calm his ego and enhance his reputation.1 This paper asserts that Frederick II epitomized what a military leader should be, especially based on his profound and enduring influence on other military strategists, leaders, generals, and statesmen who came after him.2 Frederick II noted, “A country should be ready for war, offensive or defensive and preparedness for war hinges on the condition of the army and the finances. Frederick II of Prussia was one of the “enlightened monarchs” (enlightened despots) based on the reforms that he was able to bring to Prussia. During his reign, he was able to expand the territories of Prussia to become a power house in Europe. Frederick modernized Prussian bureaucracy and civil service, besides promoting religious tolerance. Frederick managed to modify Prussia from European back water to an economically powerful and politically reformed state. One of the strengths of Frederick II lies in the fact that he was an enlightened absolutist and thus, could run the political side while simultaneously directing the army to achieve the objectives of the state. One of Frederick’s most outstanding quote details “a nation lacking an army is like an orchestra without instruments.”3 Frederick II (Frederick the Great) Contribution to Military Philosophy As a military leader, Frederick II focused on drill and discipline, besides stimulating initiative and inspiration in his military leadership. Frederick II maintained that common soldiers should fear their own officers more compared to the enemy, and he closely monitored his generals to ensure that none could be trusted to perform independently. As crown prince, Frederick II maintained that Prussia could not evade being drawn into conflict practically anywhere in Europe. However, his country was short of the military, diplomatic, and economic strength needed to support the geographic position. Hence, expansion was essential for Prussian welfare, as well as survival.4 The Anti-Machiaviel, published anonymously in 1740 asserted that law and ethics within international relations should hinge on neither the interests of the ruler, nor those of the people, but should be essentially constant based on the rational calculation and utilization of principles that could be learned and employed in the same manner as maintenance and repair of a clock. Frederick II concept of statecraft induced him to believe that Prussia ought to fight only short, decisive wars so as to preserve scarce resources, partly to persuade the losers to make and maintain peace, and dissuade possible challengers. This demanded establishment of a forward-loaded military capable of springing to war with powerful initial results. His enemies mainly responded by limiting the initiative whenever possible and fighting only under positive conditions and limiting their tactical commitments. Frederick’s core mission was to modernize and bond his vulnerably disjointed lands and in order to attain this objective; he fought wars against Austria to launch Prussia as a superpower by utilizing the resources that his father had cultivated.5 Frederick the Great Instructions to his Generals Much of Frederick the Great Military instructions were authored between the War on Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War in late 18th century. The King of Prussia military instructions to his generals covered a number of topics. First, of Prussian troops, their Excellencies and their defects, he noted that strictest care should be awarded and demanded of commanding officers during the formation of the troops.6 He maintained that the most exact discipline should be maintained and the greatest regard awarded to their welfare. Frederick II outlined a number of steps to be undertaken to maintain discipline and prevent desertion such as conducting a roll-call each day, not allowing soldiers to wander about, and punishing marauding with severity. Second, on the subject of subsistence of troops and provisions, he emphasized the significance of establishing the large magazines invariably within the rear of the army and where possible keep it well secured. In terms on the knowledge of a country, he noted that the knowledge of a country is to be gained in two approaches: using a map and procuring intelligence. Although, the knowledge and choice are essential, it is also imperative to evaluate how to profit from such advantages, which necessitates that troops are placed in places that are suitable and convenient for them. In his instruction on distribution of troops, he noted that the great art in the distribution of troops details placing them strategically so as to have room to act and be uniformly useful. All camps are designed to respond to two purposes: defence and attack. As a result, camps should be strategic to as to deliver convenience and accommodation and should be well secured by regiments of infantry.7 With regard to the manner and the reason that the generals were to send out detachments he utilized an ancient maxim in war that details “he who divides his troops will be defeated in detail.” His instructions to his generals detailed that, when acting offensively, detachments should never be employed and that no more troops should be spared than are hardly adequate to secure the convoys. Of the tricks and stratagems of war, Frederick II asserted “the skin of a fox may be sometimes essential as that of the lion since cunning may prosper where force fails.” Hence, force may sometimes be repelled by force, and in other times one may be obliged to yield to stratagem, which necessitates acquaintance to utilization of both as occasions may demand adoption of either.8 Of spies and the manner in which they are employed to learn the intelligence of the enemy, Frederick II noted that it is essential to sufficiently know the enemys intentions so as to be a match of the enemy even with an inferior force. In terms of the basis for reasons that should induce the troop to give battle and the manner in which the battle should be conducted, Frederick II noted that battles determine the fate of nations, and it is essential that the actions are decisive to free themselves from the inconveniences of a state of warfare, and to place the enemy in that unpleasant circumstance, or settle a dispute that would otherwise be unfinished. Frederick II authored two political testaments: the first in 1952 and the second revised version in 1768. In his testament, he highlighted the significance of his stature as a servant to the state and of all the citizens who serve the state. This contrasted his father’s belief that citizens ought to be obedient to the King. Frederick II made the treaty with Breslau (1742) and subsequently abandoned his allies, the French. By 1744, the Austrians were resurgent and looked capable of invading Silesia. As result, Frederick II launched a second Silesian war that lasted till 1745.9 Following the 1763 Treaty of Hubertusburg, Frederick II image as a statesman, general, and father of his country only thrived, despite his confessed indifference to public opinion. Lessons in tactics Frederick II (Frederick the Great) Frederick II moulded the Prussian army to become the political leverage that he utilized throughout his life. The political arena, the society, and the military were combined into a militaristic society that utilized military political science to attain objectives for the state. Frederick II inherited an army numbering around 83,000 strong that was adequately trained through constant drilling.10 The infantry remained his core force, although he blended his father’s wishes with his own ideas of the power and strength of the military. His goal was to assemble an army of 160,000 men out of the Prussian population of 4.5 million. The army was divided into battalions, divisions, and brigades comprising of Prussians and foreigners whereby Prussian residents were recruited via the Canton system. Officers gained their rank by showcasing their capability in the battlefield, and Frederick II frequently bestowed a position on nobility up on a heroic soldier, in the same way that the battlefield commission did during the World War II.11 Defeating a Superior Enemy: Frederick the Great Frederick II adopted an aggressive war posture right from the outset as he decided to inaugurate hostilities and anticipated catching his adversaries by surprise. One of Frederick’s outstanding strategies entailed attacking and hitting the flanks. In his Principles Generaux (1748), Frederick outlined his general philosophy of war, which featured “the army was not to contract from an encounter with a superior army since such occasions availed an opportunity for employment of Oblique Order of battle to a considerable success.” He outlined “you decline one wing to the enemy, but reinforce the attacking wing, with which the army deliver the assault against a solitary wing of the enemy forces taking them in a flank. The success of these strategies hinged on the elevation of the principle of attacks on the flanks, both as a grand strategy and tactical planning.12 To strengthen his understanding, Frederick explored ancient military history to highlight precedents that would guide him. In his wars, Frederick II exhibited creative out-thinking and out-flanking of his enemies. Military Strategy Frederick II (Frederick the Great) Frederick II can be considered as a genius on all levels of strategy right from Grand National strategy to battlefield tactics. Frederick II, as the King of Prussia, was able to keep the army on task within the War’s waning years. Frederick II can be considered as a figure head, a tangible focus for soldiers within the absence of such ideals such as patriotism or religion. Frederick was able to embody the form of endurance that he demanded of his men for being present and visible during the wars.13 Frederick’s lack of interest in dress and rank set the tone whereby officer’s insignia was absent till the conclusion of the war as he awarded lieutenants equivalent direct access as that awarded to generals. Frederick II’s demeanour also played a part in striking among his troops. Frederick instructed his generals “the common soldier ought to fear his officers more than the enemy.”14 This was based on the realization that the motivation required from his soldiers tied to fear from their superiors, and was as significant as the fear of the enemy. As a result, multiple punishments were devised to instil discipline. The infantry was the core strength of the Prussian army was divided into multiple groups: battalions and platoons. Initially, Frederick did not appreciate the techniques and tactics of employing artillery and did not award much effort to it. It was not until the battle of Leuthen that he saw the real promise that an artillery unit held in supporting the infantry and cavalry.15 How Technological Advancements Age Shaped Frederick II’s Ideas It is evident that Prussian army was exceptionally organized, structured, disciplined, and highly advanced comparative to other European armies at the time. Frederick utilized battle formations and manoeuvres learnt from the history book such as the oblique order. This represented a flanking move to enable the bulk of his army attack the softer and weaker flank of the enemy. This was guided by knowledge of the enemy’s size, position, and strength. Frederick II was able to enhance the cavalry tactics, enhance the mobility of artillery units, and conduct full speed charges. The Chief of Staff, plus his officers were well trained in the art of war, reconnaissance and engineering. Since a significant section of the army was made up of foreigners, Frederick faced a complicated task to safeguard against desertion and keep the army intact, which he was able to accomplish through keeping the soldiers busy with patrols and drills. The Prussian officers were in the army for life, which, in turn, contributed to the discipline and obedience within the army. Frederick depended on the cunning of his officers to undertake battles and move the army, which elevated the concept of Coup d’Oeil detailing a view of potential battleground and assessing the situation, employing every bit of information to arrive at a decision that is likely to make the arm victorious.16 Frederick also ensured that his army was well fed, and carefully arranged logistics to have supply lines of food. Similarly, knowing the terrain (as well as enemy’s terrain) was an essential component of the general’s repertoire as it could dictate the outcome of the battle. Social Latitudes Influenced Frederick II (Frederick the Great) Military Philosophy Frederick II is not comparable to his docile father who laid the foundation for Prussia. Frederick was handed a comparatively internal stable state, but he manifested a restless spirit coupled with strong motivation. This was the foundations that guided his army, strategy, and tactics. When Frederick II became the King, he maintained all forms of the government established by his father; however, his rule demonstrated far more liberal and enlightened spirit as he tolerated all forms of religious opinion, and awarded significant freedom to the press, even during political discussion. Frederick II was able to secure an accurate and impartial administration of justice and permitted everyone with a genuine grievance free access to his presence.17 Significance of Frederick II (Frederick the Great) Ideas It would be difficult to dismiss the significance of the contribution made by Frederick to the politics of Europe. Prussia became universally recognized as one of super powers of the continent. Clausewitz perceived Frederick as a person with a strong, rational plan to guide Prussia to greatness, although Frederick was cautious not to destroy the enemy.18 Carl Von Clausewitz was an advocate of both Frederick the Great and Napoleon’s theories on warfare and strategy, as well as the manner in which the political arena interacted within them.19 Adolf Hitler was a confessed admirer of Fredrick the Great, who was labelled the greatest in Prussian history. Frederick’s bureaucratic reforms transformed Prussian Civil service to become more efficient, hardworking, and methodical conscious of public duty. This later became the basis of future German state and reputed Prussian identity that valued military prowess. This laid the foundation of German sense of superiority and the imperial destiny that facilitated significantly to the causes of the two World Wars. Lessons that Frederick II (Frederick the Great) Military Philosophy Impart to War fighting in the 21st century The U.S Army and other armies within the world face several present and potential challenges of ever rising complexity in warfare. Even as, the global war on terror continues to take centre stage, new threats to national security continue to emerge. The world is presently witnessing a number of geo-political changes that guarantee to alter the strategic environment that holds momentous significance for the army.20 The military philosophy of Alexander the Great holds historic significance to modern warfare and can still play a central role. Frederick II’s leadership skills are still applicable today, especially with regard to his military prowess. Frederick II was at the forefront encouraging modernization, enhancements in infrastructure and promotion of diversity and tolerance among the people. Without perpetual innovation and improvement, Frederick could not have attained the title-the Great. Similarly, without continuous innovation and improvements in the army, the risk of falling behind to the competitors or the enemy is significant. The exposure to up-to-date tactics, procedures, and techniques minimizes on-job training time and enhances the capability of army graduates to assume duties. Frederick promoted tolerance within the society and was committed to bringing the most talented to the army.21 In the 21st century, the institutions also pursue the same by promoting the same non-discrimination policy so as to attract the best irrespective of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Conclusion The contemporary warfare no longer faces enemies represented as singular and whole states, but rather individual factions with extremist ideologies restricted within separate states that could be antagonistic, neutral, or even allies. Moreover, the proliferation of nuclear arms means that any key player bears the capability to annihilate not only their enemies, but also the entire world. Therefore, modernized countries cannot view warfare in the same way it was fought in the past. Nevertheless, Alexander the Great remains an inspirational figure within the battlefront. Evidently, Frederick II was able to accomplish a lot with his army and beat all odds, inclusive of alliances and massive enemy armies. Frederick II was able to utilize his army as his means of diplomacy and enhance power and wealth of Prussia. Irrespective of the shortcomings that faced his army and the fledgling state, Fredrick II was able to command an army, assimilate it into the society, and highlight actions that were best for his flourishing nation state. Frederick’s character was distinct, which elevated his stature within history. He also left a mark during his reign as others attempt to emulate him or were significantly influenced by his strategies, philosophy, and tactics. Bibliography Primary Sources Del Testa, David. Government leaders, military rulers, and political activists. Westport: Oryx Press, 2001. Duiker, William and Jackson Spielvogel. World history. Belmont: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2007. Haythornthwaite, Philip. Frederick the Greats army. London: Osprey, 1991. Luvass, Jay. Frederick the Great on the Art of War. New York, The Free Press, 1999. Mosse, George et al. Frederick II, Political Testament in Europe in Review. Chicago: Rand MacNally, 1957. Reid, Stuart and Stuart Embleton. Frederick the Greats allies. Oxford: Osprey, 2010. Scott, Hamish and Brendan Simms. Cultures of power in Europe during the long eighteenth century. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2007. Telp, Claus. (2005). The evolution of operational art 1740-1813: From Frederick the Great to Napoleon. Oxon: Frank Cass, 2005. Secondary Sources Bernard, Simon. “Clausewitz in the 21st century.” The Army Doctrine and Training Bulletin 2, no. 4 (1999): 48-55. http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/caj/documents/vol_02/iss_4/CAJ_vol2.4_13_e.pdf Haworth, Paul (1904). “Frederick the Great and the American revolution.” The American Historical Review 9, no.3 (1904): 460-478. Schuurman, Bart. "Clausewitz and the New Wars Scholars." Parameters 40, no. 1 (Spring 2010): 89-100. http://www.carlisle.army.mil/usawc/parameters/Articles/2010spring/40-1-2010_schuurman.pdf Wilson, Peter. “The origins of Prussian militarism.” History Today 51, no.5 (2001): 22. Read More