Napoleonic Newsdesk

The German States Study Group
Napoleonic Association


The period of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars was a time of great change for the states of Germany. At the start of the Imperial War in 1793, most of these states were still part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Empire came to an end in 1805, and many of the states became independent. A new federal body was formed in 1806, the Confederation of the Rhine, but this never drew in all the German States. This federation fell apart in 1813, and was replaced by a German Federation, under the presidency of Austria. In 1793 there were a few hundred German states; by 1815, less than fifty.

This period of almost continual war saw a very large increase in the number of troops raised by the German princes and cities. In contrast, the German federal regiments were of little importance during this period, though they still make interesting study. As well as the regular troops, a host of volunteer and militia formations appeared, often ephemerally. The sheer variety of organisations and uniforms make research into the armies of the German States particularly interesting.

The object of the German States Study Group is to bring together students of this period of German military history; to correspond and exchange information on the subject. Bibliographical references are particularly welcomed. The Group tends to exclude Austria and Prussia from their studies, as these countries tend to be well-covered elsewhere. A small information circular is sent out four times a year. The Group would like to expand its activities and welcomes any suggestions leading to this.

If you would like to join the German States Study Group, please write to the Co-ordinator, John Henderson, 118 Milton Road, Hartlepool, Cleveland.

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