| Summary: | "Frederick the Great ruled for almost half a century (1740-86) and throughout his reign military matters were a prime preoccupation. For much of it Prussia was actually at war; first during the continent-wide War of Austrian Succession (1740-48) and later, the Seven Years War (1756-63), in which Prussia and Britain were allied against Austria, France, Russia, Sweden, and Saxony. By Frederick's death Prussia had doubled in size, and was overtaking Austria in the struggle for dominance over the German-speaking lands. In this classic work, Showalter surveys the entire range of these wars chronologically, placing the military operations, and Frederick's own policies and ambitions, in their broader social and political context. The result is a formidable analysis of the political and military dynamics of later 18th century Europe which will be necessary reading for all serious students of the period. However Showalter's powerful and vigorous account of these campaigns, and the great battles that decided them, will appeal beyond professional historians to general readers looking for a thrilling story, well told. This edition has been updated to include a new introduction and an excellent bibliographical essay which surveys the latest works on Frederician Prussia and eighteenth-century warfare"--Publisher's description, p. [2] of dust jacket.
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