Innovation and Evolution:

Prussian Military Reforms of the 19th Century

The concept of war as a static and unchanging occurrence is an outdated and dangerous miscalculation. More accurately, war is a fluidic, evolving and shifting phenomenon constantly reinventing itself, rendering stagnant, inflexible principles potentially disastrous. Consequently, as students of war and future players in this transforming theatre, the study of eras of significant development is an extremely relevant pursuit. Recognizing the need for adaptation and the creation of doctrine is now a prerequisite for any effective modern commander. War is unpredictable in nature and particularly so in current theatres of operation, in which change is rapid and volatile. Examination and deliberation on periods of past development in the conduct of war is an immensely important necessity in the development of flexible, capable and competent officers. One such example to investigate is the period of distinct development in post-Napoleonic...