Franco-Prussian War

The German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck ordered the Prussian Army to invade France in 1870, leading to the Franco-Prussian War. This war transformed the European states-system and introduced an era of power politics, which reached its disastrous climax in 1914. Michael Howard's The Franco-Prussian War is a classic and definitive history of the conflict, analyzing the tactics, political dynamics, morale, and actions that determined the course of the war. It also describes the crucial role played by key figures such as Bismarck, Helmuth Von Moltke, and French generals MacMahon, Chanzy, and Trochu. The war was difficult to end, with extremists in both France and Prussia pushing to prolong the conflict.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 526 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In 1870, the German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck ordered the Prussian Army to invade France, sparking one of the most dramatic conflicts in European history. This event not only transformed the states-system of the European continent but also had a profound impact on the moral and political thought of the region. The overwhelming triumph of German military might, evoking widespread admiration and imitation, ushered in an era of power politics that reached its catastrophic climax in 1914.

Michael Howard's The Franco-Prussian War is widely regarded as a classic and the definitive account of this pivotal conflict. Howard's work vividly portrays the intensity of the war, the strategies employed by both sides, and the political dynamics that shaped its course. He delves into the roles of key figures such as Bismarck, the Prussian military commander Helmuth von Moltke, and the French generals MacMahon, Chanzy, and Trochu. Additionally, Howard sheds light on the challenges faced in bringing the war to an end, as extremists on both sides sought to prolong the conflict.

This Routledge Classics edition of The Franco-Prussian War includes a new Foreword by Bertrand Taithe, further enhancing its value for students, historians, and general readers alike. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this significant event in European history, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the subject.

Weight: 814g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367705305