Von Moltke Army Reforms

Question 1

What were Von Moltke’s army reforms?

Answer 1

Reorganising General staff, use of modern communication, War planning and mobilization, Mission command, integration of new technologies and tactics and military education and training.

Question 2

What was involved with reorganising general staff?

Answer 2

Centralised planning & decentralised execution -> emphasised General staff as brain of army ensuring detailed planning whilst allowing field commanders flexibility.
Professionalised General staff -> selecting officers for merit, skill and required a military education.

Question 3

What was involved with Use of Modern Communication?

Answer 3

Integrated railroads into strategic planning -> enabling rapid mobilisation and troop movement.
Utilised telegraphs to maintain communication with distant armies improving command-and-control efficiency.

Question 4

What was involved with War planning and Mobilisation?

Answer 4

Developing detailed war plans well in advance.
Created mobilisation timetables using rail logistics allowing Prussia to move faster and strike more decisively.

Question 5

What was involved with Mission Command?

Answer 5

Commanders given goals not detailed instructions -> allowing initiative and flexibility on the battlefield, encouraging independent thinking and quick adaptation.

Question 6

What was involved with Integration of New Technologies and tactics?

Answer 6

Promoted use of needle gun giving Prussian infantry tactical edge.

Question 7

What was involved with Military education and Training?

Answer 7

Strengthened kreisschule (war school) and advanced training institutions to produce highly skilled officers.