The Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France 1870–1871 (Google eBook)

Michael Howard

Routledge, Jul 30, 1981 - History - 536 pages

In 1870 Bismarck ordered the Prussian Army to invade France, inciting one of the most dramatic conflicts in European history. It transformed not only the states-system of the Continent but the whole climate of European moral and political thought. The overwhelming triumph of German military might, evoking general admiration and imitation, introduced an era of power politics, which was to reach its disastrous climax in 1914.

First published in 1961 and now with a new introduction, The Franco-Prussian War is acknowledged as the definitive history of one of the most dramatic and decisive conflicts in the history of Europe.

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Review: The Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France, 1870-1871

User Review  - Tomlikeslife - Goodreads

I learned a lot about the Franco-Prussian War but I wish the author realized not everyone can read three languages (English, German and French) or that the folks who may be read his book doesn't have ...

Review: The Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France, 1870-1871

User Review  - Eddy Allen - Goodreads

In 1870 Bismarck ordered the Prussian Army to invade France, inciting one of the most dramatic conflicts in European history. It transformed not only the states-system of the Continent but the whole ...

Contents

• The Antagonists 1 The Technical Background: 1
• The Unreformed Armies: 8
• The Reform of the Prussian Army: 18
• The Reform of the French Army: 29
• The Outbreak 1 The War Plans: 40
• The Hohenzollern Candidature: 48
• The German Mobilisation: 57
• The French Mobilisation: 63
• The First Disasters 1 The Concentration of the Armies: 77
• Spicheren: 85
• Froeschwiller: 99
• The Army of the Rhine 1 The Invasion: 120
• VionvilleMarslaTour: 144
• GravelotteSt Privat: 167
• The Army of Chalons 1 Beaumont: 183
• Sedan: 203
• The Government of National Defence 1 Ferrieres: 224
• The Nation in Arms: 233
• The FrancsTireurs: 249
• Metz and Strasbourg: 257
• The Battles for Orleans 1 Coulmiers: 284
• BeaunelaRolande: 299
• Loigny: 310
• The Siege of Paris 1 The Investment: 317
• Le Plan Trochu: 331
• Versailles: 347
• The Bombardment: 357
• Guerre a Outrance 1 The Deepening Conflict: 371
• Chanzy: 381
• Faidherbe: 388
• The End in the West: 397
• Bourbaki: 407
• The Peace: 432
• Note on Sources: 457
• Select Bibliography: 459
• Index: 474

Popular passages

Page 1 - ... the military system of a nation is not an independent section of the social system but an aspect of it in its totality'.‎

Page 461 - Waterloo Lectures : a Study of the Campaign of 1815. By Colonel CHARLES C. CHESNEY, RE late Professor of Military Art and History in the Staff College. Second Edition. 8vo. with Map, 10s. Gd. The Military Resources of Prussia and France, and Recent Changes in the Art of War.‎

About the author

Sir Michael Howard was the Regius Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford from 1980-1989. He was Professor of History at Yale University from 1989-1993.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Franco-Prussian War: The German Invasion of France 1870–1871
• Author: Michael Howard
• Edition: 2, illustrated, reprint, revised
• Publisher: Routledge, 1981
• ISBN: 0203993055, 9780203993057
• Length: 536 pages
• Subjects: History / Europe / Eastern; History / Europe / Germany; History / General