#prussian army

[sictransitgloriamvndi]

[royalty-nobility]

Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse (1837-1892)

Artist: Ludwig Hofmann-Zeitz (German, 1832-1895

Date: c.1878-1892

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: Royal Collection Trust, England, United Kingdom

Description

Louis IV (12 September 1837 – 13 March 1892) was the Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine from 13 June 1877 until his death in 1892. Through his marriage to Queen Victoria's second daughter Alice, he was connected to the British royal family. Two of his daughters married into the House of Romanov.

He is shown in three-quarter-length. He wears the uniform of a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Hessian contingent of the Prussian army, the collar, star and ribbon of the Order of Louis, the star of the Garter and the Iron Cross. His badges include the Red Eagle, the Order 'Pour la Mérite', the Iron Cross, the Golden Lion, the Cross for Military Merit (Hesse), the Cross for Military Merit (Mecklenburg-Schwerin) and the Order of St George (Russia).

[bantarleton]

A young, future Friedrich II and Prince Eugene of Savoy near Philippsburg in 1734, by Wilhelm Camphausen.

[redarmyscreaming]

Charge of the Black Hussars at the Battle of Heilsberg,

[hale-my-nathan]

Trump Weird News - Generations Of Draft Dodgers

[illustratus]

Prussian infantry advancing to meet the Russian Army before the Battle of Zorndorf 25th August 1758 in the Seven Years War

by Carl Röchling

[karagin22]

[whats-in-a-sentence]

Pastor Emil Fuchs, who had a private interview with his son after the war, in England, attempts today to explain his son's conduct as follows:

As a father I can understand his extreme inward distress at the moment when he realized that he was working for the manufacturer of the bomb. He said to himself, 'If I don't take this step, the imminent danger to humanity will never cease.' He thus found a way out of a situation that seemed hopeless. Neither he nor I have ever blamed the British people for his sentence. He endures his fate bravely, with determination and a clear conscience. He was justly condemned under British law. But there must of course always be people from time to time who deliberately assume such guilt as his. The Prussian General Yorck did so in 1812 when he neutralized the Prussian Army by the Convention of Tauroggen. They have to bear the consequences of their resolute affirmation that they see a position more clearly than do those in whose power, at that juncture, the decision rests to deal with it. Should it not be clear by this time that my son acted with more accurate foresight in the interests of the British people than did their government? His action imperilled the highly paid and distinguished post he held and a still more distinguished career in the future. I can only have the greatest respect for the decision he took. Which of us can be certain how we would have decided in a similar situation?*

* Pastor Fuchs, however, did not discuss with his son, on this occasion, the latter's political activities. On this subject he wrote as follows to the author: 'I certainly realized to the full how much distress his work on atomic research caused him. But in 1933 we had arranged once for all that we would always tell each other anything that ought be known about illegal activities by anyone, though never more than what was necessary. Which of us can be sure that he can keep another's secret? Consequently, on this occasion too, we did not mention such things, though I guessed that something of this sort was worrying him and wondered how he would ever be able to reconcile himself inwardly with his whole situation.'

"Brighter than a Thousand Suns: A Personal History of the Atomic Scientists" - Robert Jungk, translated by James Cleugh

[royalty-nobility]

Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse (1837-1892)

Artist: Ludwig Hofmann-Zeitz (German, 1832-95)

Date: c. 1878-1892

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: The Royal Collection, London, United Kingdom

Description

Louis IV (12 September 1837 – 13 March 1892) was the Grand Duke of Hesse and by Rhine from 13 June 1877 until his death in 1892. Through his marriage to Queen Victoria's second daughter Alice, he was connected to the British royal family. Two of his daughters married into the House of Romanov.

He is shown in three-quarter-length. He wears the uniform of a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Hessian contingent of the Prussian army, the collar, star and ribbon of the Order of Louis, the star of the Garter and the Iron Cross. His badges include the Red Eagle, the Order 'Pour la Mérite', the Iron Cross, the Golden Lion, the Cross for Military Merit (Hesse), the Cross for Military Merit (Mecklenburg-Schwerin) and the Order of St George (Russia).

[tarrarre]

NOOOO TARRARE THEYRE PROTESTANTS NOOOOOOOO TARRARE YOU FUCKED UP.

[redarmyscreaming]

Two Prussian Soldiers, 1860s.

[redarmyscreaming]

Two Prussian NCO’s, with Koniggratz Cross medals from the War with Austria Hungary (1866).

Carte de visite of two officers perched on a balustrade clinking their wine glasses together, dated on back 1867, Landeck, Austria

[akikos-tribble-army]

I sometimes think about the one time IRL Mori joined the Prussian army for a few months bc he was asked to and said yes. (Though the question is if he even had the choice to say no here, since his Japanese superiors allowed (told) him to join the Prussians.)

[scamallach-1]

Still always thinkin about Thomas Jefferson writing to James Madison after the Shay’s Rebellion about how it should be taught in schools that collective violence is not the way to express discontent and that the people must be taught to vote *instead* 🤨

(Ignore my notations lol or don’t…?)

And funny enough, this was in an article about Paglayan’s research on the Prussian Obedience Model for public schools - which still, to this day, is how our usamerican public schools are run!

https://today.ucsd.edu/story/education-systems-were-first-designed-to-suppress-dissent#:~:text=For%20example%2C%20absolutist%20Prussia%20was,promoting%20rewards%20for%20proper%20behavior.

And here ⬇️ is a nifty video essay about said Prussian Model of public education and why it was so implemented here in the settler-states of “America”:

https://archive.org/details/the-origins-of-the-american-public-education-system-horace-mann-the-prussian-model-of-obedience

⬇️

“According to Paglayan, the Prussian model of public education was designed to indoctrinate children into obedience and respect for authority. The model was created in the 18th century as a way to address social unrest and was a reference point for education systems that followed. The Prussian model influenced the American public school system, and some say its remnants are still present in contemporary schools.”

[authorhjk1]

1813

(Jisoo X Male Reader)

--------

@mintwithchoco thank you for this promp. Was a lot of fun!

-------

September 5th, 1813 – Weißenfels

The war has led me to many villages like this one—quiet, modest places, their people hardened by hardship, yet resilient. But Weißenfels is different. Not because of its thatched-roof cottages or its cobbled streets, nor because of the bakery that fills the air with the scent of fresh bread, but because of something - or rather, someone - I saw as we rode in.

Our corps arrived in the village just after midday, the autumn sun casting long shadows as our horses’ hooves clattered over the stones. The people of Weißenfels gathered in the square, some watching in quiet awe, others whispering among themselves. Some had seen French troops march through not long ago. Now, it was Prussian banners that fluttered in the wind.

As I rode behind my superior, Hauptmann Reinhardt, I surveyed the villagers.

That was when I saw her.

A young woman, standing next to an elderly pair, watching the procession with a mixture of curiosity and caution. She was not like the others. Her dark hair was neatly braided, her features delicate but unfamiliar. And when her gaze met mine, something in me stalled, if only for a moment.

She did not lower her eyes immediately, nor did she smile. She simply observed, her expression unreadable. And I, despite my training, my discipline, could not help but admire her foreign beauty. Then, as quickly as it happened, the moment was gone, and I rode past her, following my superior.

After he set up his office in one of the rooms of the village’s townhall, he sent for me for an audience. The sun already began to set as he ordered me to stay with the local baker’s family. Since I’m an officer of the Prussian army, a leading officer of the 1. Brandenburg Dragoon Regiment even, I didn’t have to make camp with the rest of the lower ranking soldiers.

September 5th, 1813

Herr and Frau Lindemann greeted me warmly when I arrived at their home. Their bakery, modest in size, carried the rich aroma of flour and yeast, comforting in a way I had not expected.

“It is an honor to host a Prussian officer.”

Herr Lindemann said as he ushered me inside.

“I pray this war ends soon, but until then, we are grateful for your protection.”

“My thanks. Your kindness is noted.”

Frau Lindemann turned towards the small table where another figure sat.

“And this is our niece, Kim Jisoo.”

I recognized her instantly. The girl from the square.

She stood as I approached, her posture graceful but not overly formal.

“Leutnant von Amsberg.”

She said, her voice carrying the slightest accent, her German better than I expected. She must have caught my name as I introduced myself.

“Fräulein Jisoo.”

I acknowledged, dipping my head slightly.

“It seems fate has arranged another meeting.”

Her lips quirked slightly at that, but she said nothing.

Dinner was pleasant, though conversation quickly turned toward the war. Herr Lindemann, like many villagers, had seen both French and Prussian troops pass through his home. He expressed relief at the alliance against Napoleon, but worried for the future.

“Do you believe we will ever see the end of this war?”

“I’m sure of it. Napoleon cannot sustain a war on all fronts. If the next battle ends in our favor, we may finally see an end to this.”

“And if it does not?”

Jisoo’s voice was quiet, but firm.

I looked at her, surprised by the directness of the question.

“Then we fight on.”

I said simply.

“There is no other choice.”

She held my gaze for a moment longer before turning her attention back to her meal.

September 9th, 1813

I have never met a woman who loves horses as much as Jisoo does.

We had spoken briefly over the past days, but always within the confines of her family’s home. It was not until this morning that I discovered her fondness for riding.

“I used to ride in Joseon.”

She told me as she brushed the Lindemanns’ mare in the stable.

“Not for war, but for the joy of it.”

At this, I could not help but smile.

“Then let us ride.”

She hesitated at first, glancing toward the bakery.

“Herr and Frau Lindemann-”

“Will understand.”

I assured her.

“The day is too fine to waste indoors.”

Moments later, we set off, her riding the Lindemanns’ horse while I rode my own. The fields stretched out before us, the autumn wind carrying the scent of fallen leaves.

We came to a hold near a grove of trees to let the horses rest for a moment after tying their reigns to a nearby tree. We didn’t talk much during the ride, but now I wanted to take this opportunity to get to know her better. In the confines of her relative’s house, we weren’t able to converse freely without anyone listening in. Jisoo told me about her parents in Joseon and how her father owns a small restaurant. Her parents wanted her to leave and follow her uncle’s footsteps, hoping for a better life for her in Europe. She asked me about my own family as well. I mentioned my father’s military career and how he is now a horse breeder after his retirement. Jisoo’s eyes suddenly sparkled in envy and surprise, her fondness of riding shining through.

We kept on talking for a while after that, until the sun began to sink. As we were untying the reigns of our horses, Jisoo’s suddenly jerked its head away with all its might, making her stumble forward. I reached for its reigns and instinctively placed a hand on her lower back to keep her from falling. For only a split second we kept standing like that without either one of us moving. My hand on hers, which was holding the reigns, my other hand slightly supporting her back. I felt my heart stutter, an unfamiliar warmth creeping up my neck. I could smell the hint of flour and the yellow dandelions she picked, after tying her horse to the tree earlier. I immediately took a step back, my hand grazing hers in the process. She glanced at me, her expression unreadable, but there was something in her eyes. Something unspoken.

I cleared my throat.

“Apologies.”

“There is nothing to apologize for.”

She murmured, though I thought I saw a faint flush on her cheeks.

We said nothing more about it, but the moment lingered long after we continued our ride.

September 10th, 1813

During dinner today, Herr Lindemann mentioned the upcoming ball in honors of a royal general’s birthday.

Jisoo’s spoon stopped on its way to her mouth, her eyes falling on me.

“Will you be attending the ball as well, Leutnant von Amsberg?”

I caught the curiosity in her voice, which made me fondly remember yesterday’s accident.

“Of course he will, dear.”

Frau Lindemann spoke up, before I had a chance to do so myself.

“Every officer in this town will be at the townhall in five days.”

She was just about to eat more of her soup, when she suddenly gasped out.

“Oh no, you don’t own an appropriate dress yet, dear.”

The older woman reached out to hold Jisoo’s arm in apology.

“We will visit Herr Schneider first thing tomorrow. He will make you a beautiful dress for the ball. I promise.”

Jisoo couldn’t help but smile at me in amusement and after thanking her aunt, she looked at me once more. This time, her expression was on the more mischievous side.

“Do you dance, Leutnant?”

“I would like to think that I dance as good as I ride.”

I replied and a second later, I could already see a teasing comment forming in her head by the way her lips slightly twitched. It made me happy top see how comfortable she was with me. After all, we haven’t known each other for long yet.

September 15th, 1813

Tonight, as I prepared for the ball, I found myself paying more attention to my uniform than ever before.

My blue coat, adorned with golden epaulettes, had been brushed to perfection. The brass buttons gleamed in the candlelight; my boots polished to a mirror shine. It was strange, I had worn this uniform in countless battles, but this was the first time I truly cared about how I looked.

As I fastened my saber at my hip, I caught my reflection in the small mirror provided in my quarters. Would she notice? Would she care? I shook the thoughts from my mind, straightened my collar, and left for the hall.

The hall was bright with candlelight, laughter, and the hum of music. My superior, Hauptmann Reinhardt, found Herr Lindemann early on, engaging him in conversation. I stood nearby, only half-listening as Reinhardt spoke of the army, of battles, and of Prussia’s and Saxony’s future.

When Jisoo entered, I lost my train of thought entirely. I wasn’t able to catch a glimpse of the dress when she brought it home yesterday and I was disappointed when I was unable to see her as I left for the ball earlier.

She wore a deep blue gown, simple yet elegant, her dark hair pinned with delicate silver ornaments. She looked… radiant. Her smile seemed to light up the room as she walked towards the four of us. I tried not to stare, but when her gaze met mine, she smiled - shy, yet affectionate.

It was Reinhardt’s voice that pulled me back to reality.

“Leutnant, I wasn’t aware you had such a bright smile.”

His words would have sufficed as a warning for me to regain my composure, but he made a point out of saying them too late. Jisoo’s cheeks turned pink as she took her place next to the older couple.

I heard the small orchestra preparing for the next dance and took a step closer to Jisoo, suddenly aware of my own heartbeat. Surprised by my own forwardness I cleared my throat before I addressed her.

“Fräulein Jisoo,”

I said, inclining my head.

“Would you grant me this dance?”

I held out my hand and she placed her own on top of it, her eyes bright with amusement.

“I would be honored.”

And as we stepped onto the floor, for the first time in years, I felt truly at peace.

----------

Hi, everyone. I hope you enjoy this short fic. I'm considering making that a small series, depending on how it goes and how much time I have.

Stay healthy!

[redarmyscreaming]

Second Lieutenant von Beughem Infantry Regiment No.55

Soldat fra 1864 3 by Nationalmuseet on Flickr.