Quote Originally Posted by SwedishFish View Post
http://www.reformationsa.org/article...usAdolphus.htm

Very interesting article on King Gustavus Adolphus the Great.

In an attempt not to sound overly-nationalist, and I apologize if I do (), I believe Adolphus was probably one of greatest military minds of his time, and in history. Though of course not the sole innovater in the idea of combined arms, he managed to effectively apply the idea to a campaign, that being the Thirty Years War. His use of mobile artillery, shallower ranks of pike and musket, and the use of combined cavalry and infantry in warfare helped heavily in his victories.

Any opinions?
Not much to add, except that you are probably right. I just travelled Wallenstein´s homeland (Frydlant in the former Austrian Bohemia, now Czechia) and was reminded of his military genius.

Could you shed some new light on the Battle of Lützen (1632) where Gustavus was killed? The paradox of that battle seems to be that if the Swedes' resistance had not hardened because of Gustavus' death, Wallenstein might well have carried the day despite being in the minority and with less motivated troops. Or is this poppycock?