The German States Study Group

Napoleonic Newsdesk

by Paul Chamberlain

The Revolutionary and Napoleonic period 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, under the nominal control of the Austrian Emperor. This was disbanded in 1805, and many of the states became independent. A new federal body, the Confederation of the Rhine, was formed in 1806 under the leadership of France, but not all states joined. This federation fell apart in 1813, and Austria again took control of a new German federation. The result was that from a few hundred small states the area was reformed by 1815 to less than fifty.

Each state raised its own troops, and the sheer variety of organisations and uniforms make research into the armies of these states particularly interesting. The aim of the Group is to bring together students of German Military History of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic period, to correspond and exchange information. Prussia and Austria are normally excluded, as these are well researched and documented elsewhere. The Group produces a quarterly newslet-ter to members. A recent newsletter contains pictures and text describing Westphalian uniforms in Spain; Revolutionary Wars uniform sources; the Hanoverian Army of 1813-16; and a list of members so that contact may be made with like-minded people. Their newsletter contains much information that is not readily available elsewhere and so if you have an interest in this subject area the German States Study Group is the organisation to join.

For details, contact John Henderson, 46 Dexta Way, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL7 8EY.

Napoleonic News Desk

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