PREPARING THE STATE FOR DEFENCE AS AN IMPORTANT PREREQUISITE FOR SUCCESS
(from the experience of the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars)

The preparation of the state for war (defence) is a complex, multifaceted and continuous process of organizing and implementing by relevant state and non-state structures a system of coordinated measures to comprehensively ensure the military security of the state; timely and complete preparation of all its spheres for protection from armed attack.

The entire process of preparing the state for defence can be divided into two main stages. The first (advance, main) stage is carried out in peacetime, during the daily activities of the state and, as a rule, ends with the beginning of the threatened period. The second (immediate) stage of preparation depends on the duration of the threatened period. In its absence or short duration, the preparation of the state for defence is carried out in one stage. In such conditions, certain activities are carried out already during the fighting.

Measures aimed at preparing the state for defence should be planned and carried out in such a way as to ensure the constant readiness of state structures operating in all spheres of the state and society.

The Austro-Prussian (1866) and Franco-Prussian (1870-1871) wars are particularly striking examples of the importance of preparing for war. Their course clearly demonstrates how Prussia, having prepared in advance and rationally for armed struggle to solve the strategic tasks facing the state and realize its main goal − the unification of all German lands under the auspices of Prussia − optimally used the full potential of the state − military, political, diplomatic, economic, mobilization, transport and communication, etc.


Author: N. B. ENIKOLOPOVA, Analyst Researcher, Center for the Study of Military Art History NDRU of the MoD, RA


Sources: https://razmavaraget.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/hb_n2


Published: 18/01/26