Gustavus Adolphus the Great

[Adrian II]

That being more knowledgeable on one subject doesn't make you generally superior?

That too, yes. But mainly that I prefer to discuss Caeser and the rest with Org members, not with my grocer. I am afraid some of you have far too lofty ideas about historical knowledge among the general public. Many may somehow recognize the name Caesar, for instance, but if asked to specify will describe him as the Egyptian emperor who killed Jesus.

[PanzerJaeger]

That too, yes. But mainly that I prefer to discuss Caeser and the rest with Org members, not with my grocer. I am afraid some of you have far too lofty ideas about historical knowledge among the general public. Many may somehow recognize the name Caesar, for instance, but if asked to specify will describe him as the Egyptian emperor who killed Jesus.

Agree. Knowing that Rommel is the "Desert Fox" as opposed to the American Red Fox doesn't count for much. (True story..)

[Alexanderofmacedon]

The thirty years war was absolutely insane.

I believe it was Maurya after his "conquest" of King Porus.

[Oleander Ardens]

Gustavus adopted many tactical and technical innovations from abroad, especially from the Dutch. Small linear infantry formations, extensive drills for rapid fire and many other aspects of his army were already well known at his time. However as a King he was able to marshal the ressources of his land into building a solid army with excellent training and equipment, fine discipline and great tactical skill. Good logistics and regular pay kept his men marching.

So he had time and ressources to build an army into a mighty tool wielded by his great skill as commander. I think his successes were due to this synergies of state and army, tactical innovations and strategic skill.

[Seamus Fermanagh]

That too, yes. But mainly that I prefer to discuss Caeser and the rest with Org members, not with my grocer. I am afraid some of you have far too lofty ideas about historical knowledge among the general public. Many may somehow recognize the name Caesar, for instance, but if asked to specify will describe him as the Egyptian emperor who killed Jesus.

LOL.

You're exagerating a touch, of course, since most of the Western world at least would connect him with Rome, but you are quite correct as to the level of "fuzziness" most have in their knowledge of history. If it will not get them laid or paid, many will fast track the bit of knowledge in question into the recycle bin and use that grey matter for something more important.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

LOL.

You're exagerating a touch, of course, since most of the Western world at least would connect him with Rome, but you are quite correct as to the level of "fuzziness" most have in their knowledge of history. If it will not get them laid or paid, many will fast track the bit of knowledge in question into the recycle bin and use that grey matter for something more important.

And that is the shame of society.

About Gustavus. How about making alliances with Catholic French cardinals against the HRE/AH? First signs that the state's importance outweighed the religion (a common theme for wars of the time).

[KarlXII]

And that is the shame of society.

About Gustavus. How about making alliances with Catholic French cardinals against the HRE/AH? First signs that the state's importance outweighed the religion (a common theme for wars of the time).

Problem there.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Problem there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinal_Richelieu

[Watchman]

Given that the French had never had much issue about allying with the Ottomans to outflank the Hapsburgs... (and conversely the Hapsburgs cheerfully allied with the Persians to outflank the Ottomans...)
Realpolitik.

It incidentally occurs to me that this thread's title is quite possibly the first time ever I've seen the moniker "the Great" tagged onto ole Gustavus II Adolphus... which isn't really surprising, as his achievements weren't really those rulers generally earned the title with.

[ELITEofWARMANGINGERYBREADMEN88]

He's one of my heroes .

I don't know how much of a Leader he was when it came to ruling nations, but fighing wise, he was a genius in my opinion.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Given that the French had never had much issue about allying with the Ottomans to outflank the Hapsburgs... (and conversely the Hapsburgs cheerfully allied with the Persians to outflank the Ottomans...)
Realpolitik.

It incidentally occurs to me that this thread's title is quite possibly the first time ever I've seen the moniker "the Great" tagged onto ole Gustavus II Adolphus... which isn't really surprising, as his achievements weren't really those rulers generally earned the title with.

Yeah the book I'm looking at doesn't mention "the Great" as a title.

Realpolitik, exactly.