Fire and Maneuver Announcement

• Release Information:
  • First gameplay trailer released on Steam.
  • Historical strategy game set from 1853-1871.
  • Simultaneous turn-based system.
  • Features: campaign system, historical battles, map editor.
  • Early access: Free on Steam, June 15th.
  • Support development via Patreon and Discord links available.

Historical Context: Prussian Military Evolution

• Marie von Clausewitz:
  • Sorting through her late husband's papers on military theory.
  • Carl von Clausewitz's work influenced Prussia’s military leadership.
• Prussian Army Transformation:
  • From failure under Napoleon to a leading force in Europe.

Prussian Military Development

• Voltaire's Quote:
  • "The Prussian royal army had a state" signifies Prussian society’s focus on military.
• Key Historical Events:
  • Napoleonic Wars:
    • Prussian army initially disorganized and complacent.
    • Defeated at Jena-Auerstedt by Napoleon.
  • Military Reform Commission (1807):
    • Led by von Scharnhorst and von Clausewitz.
    • Reforms: ending corporal punishment, combined arms tactics, mass conscription.
  • Conscription and Education:
    • 1814: Conscription for males over 20; military education emphasized.
    • Introduction of exams for officer corps entrance.

Prussian Military Reforms and Innovations

• Weaponry and Technology:
  • Introduction of the Dreyse needle gun and Krupp artillery.
  • Emphasis on education and literacy among soldiers.
  • Strategic use of railroads and telegraphs for mobilization.
• Von Moltke’s Contributions:
  • Field Marshal von Moltke revolutionized Prussian tactics.
  • Introduced mission-type tactics empowering junior officers.
  • Emphasized rapid deployment and strategic encirclement.

Wars and Military Strategies

• Austro-Prussian War (1866):
  • Tactical use of railroads for troop deployment.
  • Victory at the Battle of Königgrätz demonstrating military superiority.
• Franco-Prussian War (1870):
  • Deployment of modern artillery to defeat the French.
  • Victory led to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership.

Conclusion: Prussian Military Legacy

• Impact:
  • Prussian military innovations influenced European warfare.
  • Focus on education, strategy, and technology set a standard for modern military practices.
  • Establishing Germany as a major European power.