Prussian Glory Calendar

The period from the First Silesian War (1740-1742) to the 1890s marked a remarkable era of Prussian military achievements, shaping the small German state into a formidable European power. Under the leadership of Frederick the Great, Prussia emerged victorious in the First Silesian War, securing the rich province of Silesia from Austria and establishing itself as a significant player in European affairs. Frederick's military reforms and strategic brilliance laid the foundation for the Prussian Army's reputation as one of the most disciplined and effective forces on the continent. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Prussia continued to build on its military successes. The Napoleonic Wars saw Prussian forces play a crucial role in the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, and Prussia was instrumental in the formation of the German Confederation in 1815. In the mid-19th century, Prussia, under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck, orchestrated a series of diplomatic and military manoeuvres that culminated in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. Prussia's victory in this conflict solidified its dominance over the German states north of the Main River and paved the way for the creation of the North German Confederation. The zenith of Prussian military achievements came with the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Prussia, led by Helmuth von Moltke the Elder, decisively defeated France and successfully unified the German states under the leadership of Wilhelm I, who was subsequently crowned Emperor of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This achievement marked the birth of the German Empire, and the Prussian military tradition continued to influence the newly formed German Army. The tactical innovations, discipline, and military prowess developed during this period laid the groundwork for the later successes of the German military in the early 20th century, albeit under different political circumstances.