i wonder ?

[A Very Super Market]

Ooh, I can help!

*Ahem.

Once upon a time, there was a German state (The real term is rather confusing) called Hesse-Kassel. The ruler needed money, and the Brits needed soldiers (Good relations between the two as well) So they paid for some soldiers from Hesse-Kassel, as well as some other places. The majority were Hessians, so that's why they called them that. Not really mercs, more like diplomatic possesions. But they definitely weren't British troops recruited from British lands.

They weren't "Elite" soldiers, but they were well-trained, and generally did well in battle. That's why Washington defeating them is so famous. The colonials didn't like them very much in the first place, what with not speaking English and all, so it was alright.

[Polemists]

They weren't "Elite" soldiers, but they were well-trained, and generally did well in battle. That's why Washington defeating them is so famous. The colonials didn't like them very much in the first place, what with not speaking English and all, so it was alright

Yes it had nothing to do with the fact that washington suprise ambushed them on a holiday :P

Poor germans...they just wanted to drink the beer and eat sausage...so cruel washington...so cruel..how can you deny a Hessian his eggnog? :P


They have to say though that Washington (who is famed for having retreated from more battles then he won historically) defeated Elite soldiers, and the British, with his cunning.

because the amazing lifesize portrait wouldn't be quite as meaningful if beneath it they put

"This was when he defeated drunken germans on a holiday night."

[pyradyn]

Ya poor Germans not getting their beer. However remember it is the victor that writes history not the losers. Besides, the Prussians were actually helping the Americans train their regulars to a degree.

[Mailman653]

Besides, the Prussians were actually helping the Americans train their regulars to a degree.

Who wasn't? They had French, Polish, Prusian and who knows what other nationalities in various roles within the army.

[Marten]

1. I read somewhere in a german tw-forum a post from Thamis (he is german btw) where he clarified: "No more mercs in ETW"

2. Maybe the "Steuben" - Parade has something to do with all the beer drinking germans, fighting for nowadays "god owns country"?

If i remember correct ... the Hessians prefer wine (apple wine) ... real sweet stuff.

[Romanus]

Also nationalism hadn't developed like it did in the 19th century. It wasn't unussual for gentlemen from say one of the Italian or german stated to serve in the imperial, french or russian armies.

As was said in the above posts the british went shopping on a large scale for troops among the german states in the seven years war. One could say that with the subsidies they provided to the king of prussia he was also in their pay.

[Fisherking]

There were also the Irish Brigades of the Spanish and French Armies as well as Scottish Regiments in the French Army.

I have a little trouble with the Special Unit for the French. It was one of several in the French Army and they never owned Ireland.

A full 75% of the French troops sent to the aid of the Americans in the American War of Independence were Irish and Scottish. While no actual recruiting took place in these countries they were assisted in getting to France and placed in their own Regiments.

But strictly speaking Mercenary troops were mostly absent in European wars after the 30 Years War.

Mercenaries were what the Americans called foreign troops in British pay. It had a touch of propaganda value.

It was also not unusual for British Gentlemen to gain military experience by joining French service or that of another nation with high military regard, at least prior to the French Revelation.


Russia was always eager to have Western Officers and many were offered service there.