German armies

"German armies" examines the diversity of German involvement in European conflict from the Peace of Westphalia to the age of Napoleon.; Challenging assumptions of the Holy Roman Empire as weak and divided, this study provides a comprehensive account of its survival in a hostile environment of centralizing belligerent states.; In contrast to the later german states, the Empire was inherently defensive, yet many of its component territories embarked on expansionist, militaristic policies, creating their own armies to advance their objectives.; The author examines the resultant tensions and…