Chapter 12

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Chapter 12: Why Do We Fight?

In the big fight in South Germany, Prussia’s main interests were not affected at all.

As long as there was no fighting in the Upper Rhine area, the people of South Germany could fight however they wanted. Although Prussia had some small interests in South Germany and Switzerland, it didn’t really matter. These scattered territories deep in enemy territory were not part of Leader One’s plans from the beginning.

Even though Leader One knew that this big fight-like village brawl didn’t matter much, he still got angry. He was impatient.

From January 1st to 3rd, 1839, the Prussian army fought fiercely against the South Baden and South Hessian allied forces, fighting over a small town in the countryside. It was lively as they exchanged control back and forth.

Baden and Hessian, these two German rulers…

To put it simply, Prussia was in conflict with the others, perfectly blending into the divided pond.

Leader One couldn’t help but be impatient. The level of the National Army was no longer just bad. These militiamen were almost useless in battle, mostly just creating an atmosphere. Prussia’s regular cavalry units were barely qualified, but they did not have reliable infantry and artillery partners, unable to defeat even Baden and Hessian.

"(German dirty speaking) Bring my warhorse and battle armor over here. I’m going into battle myself."

Your Highness the Regent was furious after watching another defeat in battle, so angry that he wanted to charge into battle without even wearing his armor.

Moltke said, "Absolutely not."

Leader One replied, "Why not? I can do it today for sure. Anyone tries to stop me, I’ll shoot them dead!"

Catherine sighed, "Then I’ll just smile and nod."

The town of Ingelfingen, or village as some may call it, was situated on a flat land with a vast view. The target village was located at the center of the plain, surrounded by small hills and woods about five to six kilometers away, with no hiding spots and no suitable artillery positions.

The enemy, Baden Hessian Fish Sprout Coalition Army, consisted of a total of 1400 soldiers, all infantry, with a total of 12 cannons, antique bronze cannons made at the end of the 18th century.

The Royal Guard’s twelve Magic Energy Knights charged in, followed by the regular army cavalry to sweep through, easily crushing the opponent in one wave.

Leader One kept his guard from engaging in battle for these three days, resulting in no achievements, making him realize the lackluster combat capabilities of the Prussian army in this era.

With the army’s situation reviewed, it was time to deploy the Magic Energy Knight unit to secure victory. The enemy’s size was just right, and Leader One decided to join the fight with no worries about his own safety.

Moltke and Catherine couldn’t stop him. They both understood that the prince regent needed to vent his frustration. They waited for the prince regent’s warhorse and armor to arrive, which had been sent ahead to Frankfurt, 100 kilometers away from Ingelfingen Town.

The Prussian army was six kilometers away from the enemy camp, on the large plain around the town. From there, they could see each other directly. The enemy won against Prussia again, and there was cheering and laughter at their camp, just as there was at the Prussian camp.

The National Army’s soldiers, whether chubby or thin, were celebrating the fact that they had survived once more. The regular army soldiers all seemed indifferent, used to losing. It was nothing new for them.

Treant and Sami lay on the ground next to a campfire, using tattered marching pads as a cushion.

Treant, who was 39 years old, had served in the regular army for two years when he was young, followed by four years in the reserves. Later, he joined the National Army and occasionally received military training. Most of the time, he worked as a laborer at the dock. During the South German War, he was called to the battlefield. The once youthful and handsome Treant had long disappeared, and the middle-aged Treant now weighed almost 260 pounds.

Sami, aged 34, had his last military training nine years ago. For years, he had been working for a landlord as a serf to make a living. When the recruiting officer saw him, they were shocked. Sami was dark and thin, resembling a skeleton. He looked like he could break at a touch.

Both of them looked lifeless. After the battle, they returned to the camp, silently ate bread and a little bit of meat scrap soup, then rested by the fire.

Each soldier of the National Army had once enjoyed their youthful years. During that time, their tall and strong figures were seen on the training field, practicing military skills day and night. They aspired to become generals, achieve military honors, and have illustrious careers.

However, after retiring from the regular army and moving to the reserves or the National Army, they received very little allowance. Unable to receive further military or militia training, they had to work hard for a living. This excessive labor either made them obese or emaciated.

Many years later, when war broke out again, the once elite soldiers of the regular army had turned into middle-aged overweight men or stick-thin figures. Their hollow eyes made them seem like walking dead in the National Army.

Leader One quietly walked past Treant and Sami, watching them closely for a while.

Leader One realized the main reason why the Prussian army had low fighting spirit.

First, no soul. Second, low treatment.

The soldiers of the National Army didn’t know why they were fighting, while the regular army soldiers only cared about making money, gaining land, and advancing in rank. They had a purely feudal military values.

Moreover, the soldiers’ treatment during service, after retirement, and how their families were taken care of were severely lacking.

Thinking about this, Leader One immediately wrote a letter to Ron, asking him to shape a truly modern army in the military reform. It was not just about the military system, equipment, and training, but more importantly about ideology.

Prussia had the embryonic form of patriotic education since the era of the "Soldier King". However, from that time till now, Prussia mainly educated soldiers to fight for the king, to seize money and land. The Junker officer group always emphasized on performing well in battles to defeat the enemy and claim the spoils, promising land and status upgrades if the achievements were high enough.

Prussia’s military discipline was excellent during peacetime, but once they entered the battlefield, the discipline immediately declined drastically. Nothing could grow where they passed, whether enemy or ally, as they were focused on looting. The Junker officer group attracted people to become professional soldiers with the main appeal of being able to loot during wartime.

Change is needed, change must happen, and now is the perfect opportunity.

When a country is divided for a long time, and suffering from bullying, it is the perfect moment for transforming feudal armies into modern armies with new values.

Fighting to defend the homeland, to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, for the dignity and honor of Prussia.

Introducing modern patriotism education, shaping a new and correct ideology for the army. The old feudal values are no longer applicable, as land is limited and there is no more land to conquer. The feudal values cannot be sustained.

Apart from shaping ideology, it is also important to improve the soldiers’ conditions. Providing higher wages and allowances, good housing, proper clothing, and advanced weapons. Ensuring social security for the disabled and retired soldiers, taking care of their families to relieve their worries.

After retiring from the regular army, soldiers should have acquired a skill. In their youth to middle age, they should not engage in high-risk or physically demanding jobs. By increasing the income of retired soldiers, they can be called back to serve when needed.

Changing the social status of the army. Previously, the public was afraid, but now strict military discipline must be enforced further. Let everyone know that the Prussian army is the defender of the country, so that the people respect and support them. Improving their social status will enhance the honor of the military.

Leader One wrote down all his ideas, organized them into letters, and sent them to Ron to perfect the military reform plan. With the right guidance, time, and investment, the Prussian army will surely undergo a transformation.

As for military expenses, increase them greatly! The economic boom brought by Prussia’s industrialization has significantly raised the government revenue. The country’s reputation has also improved, leading to banks being willing to buy Prussian government bonds, allowing for a substantial increase in military spending every year.

The Prussia after Ron’s military reforms is the Prussia that future generations would remember. Before Ron’s military reforms, Prussia was struggling to survive.

Leader One must pay attention to the dangers of German nationalism, German unification ideas, and Prussian patriotism education. While these ideas can make a country powerful and increase its military strength when used correctly, it’s important to be aware of their harmful effects. If one becomes too caught up in their benefits and uses them excessively without control, leading to extreme beliefs, it may result in a disaster for all humanity.