This volume explores the essence of German military professionalism as exemplified by the nineteenth century Prussian German Staff. The study focuses on the most important Prussian military reformer--Gerhard Johann David von Scharnhorst, who in 1801 founded the Militarische Gesellschaft (Military Society) in Berlin. The Gesellschaft became the focal point for the transformation of the Prussian army from a robotic war machine into a modern fighting force that was instrumental in defeating Napoleon in 1813 and in 1815. The author examines the following elements of this military society: its membership; the specifics of its agenda; the intellect, imagination, and habits of thought, reflection, and objective analysis of its members; Scharnhorst's particular contributions.

Includes index.

Preface -- Introduction : war in the Enlightenment -- Scharnhorst and the classical tradition -- The Militarische Gesellschaft in Berlin -- The revolution in warfare -- An aristocracy of education -- Translating theory into practice -- Organization and intellect -- Epilogue : the enlightened soldier -- Appendixes : 1. Extract from the organization and statutes of the Militarische Gesellschaft in Berlin following the revision in January 1803 ; 2. Officers of the Militarische Gesellschaft ; 3. Members of the Militarische Gesellschaft.