Frederick the Great Perfected the Old Style of Warfare and Introduced a New Style of Warfare in Europe. Critically Analyse This Assertion

FREDERICK THE GREAT PERFECTED THE OLD STYLE OF WARFARE AND INTRODUCED A NEW STYLE OF WARFARE IN EUROPE. CRITICALLY ANALYSE THIS ASSERTION

Frederick was skilful at conducting battle and had broader strategic success and was brilliant at tactical manoeuvring. Frederick the Great has been described as the embodiment of "the utmost in military achievement that was possible in Europe in the conditions prevailing before the French Revolution."[1] Through his own personal leadership skills, and faith in his army, in spite of the certainty that he would be outnumbered on the battlefield, Frederick expected only the best from the Prussian Army and a half-hearted effort would not be acceptable. Of all his battles, none shows Frederick's military abilities more than the Battle of Leuthen on December 5, 1757. His leadership before and throughout the battle show his capabilities as a military commander. The Battle of Leuthen can truly be considered to be Frederick's masterpiece. His military life is mainly highlighted in the Silesian Wars and in the 7 Years War. He emerged victorious in all these wars, because he managed to keep Silesia and that Prussia became a recognised country in Europe. His influence extended beyond his time and some of his tactics were adopted by Generals of later generations like Bonaparte, Guderian and Von Moltke Senior. Carl von Clausewitz was also influenced by Frederick the Great in some of his military thoughts.[2] In his wars, Frederick the Great demonstrated why he is called the “father of modern Warfare”. Frederick the Great to some extent perfected the old style of warfare and introduced the new style of warfare in Europe. To articulate this assertion this paper will tackle the tactics that Frederick the Great abided to and also analyse his contributions to the new style of warfare.

As a General, Frederick the Great favoured the surprise attack and offensive wars. In the attack of Silesia he banked on Austria’s unpreparedness for...