Lutzen: Great Battles

The Thirty Years' War ({PHONE}) was Europe's most destructive conflict before the two world wars, with two of its greatest generals facing each other at Lützen in November 1632. Neither achieved their objective, and the indecisive military outcome became the object of political and historical disputes. Swedish propaganda fostered the image of the king's sacrifice for the Protestant cause against the Catholic Habsburg universal monarchy, and the battle's religious and political associations led to its adoption as a symbol by those advocating German unification under Prussian leadership. This book is the first to combine analysis of the battle with an assessment of its cultural, political, and military legacy and to incorporate recent archaeological research within a reappraisal of the events and their significance. It challenges the accepted view that Lützen is a milestone in military development, arguing instead that its impact was more significant on the cultural and political level.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Thirty Years' War (1618-48) stands as Europe's most devastating conflict preceding the two world wars. In November 1632, amidst this harrowing war, two of history's greatest generals clashed at Lützen. Neither achieved their objective. Albrecht von Wallenstein withdrew his battered imperial army at nightfall, unaware that his opponent, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, had passed away a few hours earlier. The indecisive military outcome reverberated in image and print, sparking political and historical debates. Swedish propaganda swiftly cultivated the enduring image of the king's sacrifice for the Protestant cause against the looming specter of Catholic Habsburg's universal monarchy. The prevailing notion that the king had met his demise in the hour of victory became integral to how Gustavus Adolphus's contribution to modern warfare has been remembered and celebrated. Meanwhile, the study of Lützen's broader legacy reveals how such events are continually rewritten as elements of propaganda, religious and national identity, and professional military culture. The battle's religious and political associations also led to its adoption as a symbol by those advocating German unification under Prussian leadership. To this day, the battlefield remains a place of pilgrimage, honoring Protestant German and Nordic culture.

This book is a groundbreaking exploration, combining analysis of the battle with an assessment of its cultural, political, and military legacy. It is the first to incorporate recent archaeological research within a reevaluation of the events and their significance. It challenges the conventional view that Lützen represents a milestone in military development, arguing instead that its impact was more profound on the cultural and political landscape.

The battle of Lützen marked a pivotal moment in European history, shaping the course of the Thirty Years' War and leaving a lasting impact on the region. Its religious and political significance has made it a symbol of resistance and unity, inspiring generations to come. Through meticulous research and analysis, this book sheds light on the events of Lützen and its broader implications, providing a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in European history.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 204 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199642540