Psychological Warfare in 1776: The Jefferson-Franklin Plan to Cause Hessian Desertions

 

Psychological Warfare in 1776: The Jefferson-Franklin Plan to Cause Hessian Desertions 

“Psychological Warfare in 1776: The Jefferson–Franklin Plan to Cause Hessian Desertions” by Lyman H. Butterfield, published in the Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society (Vol. 94, No. 3, June 20, 1950, pp. 233–241), examines the innovative use of psychological operations by the American revolutionary leadership. Butterfield analyzes a plan devised by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin aimed at encouraging desertion among Hessian troops serving with the British army in 1776. Using primary documents from the Library of the American Philosophical Society, the article explores the methods, rationale, and effectiveness of early propaganda campaigns in the context of revolutionary warfare, shedding light on the intersection of diplomacy, intelligence, and psychological strategy in the American Revolution.

Analyses to Help Identify Individuals From a Historical Mass Grave in Kassel, Germany

Analyzes to help identify individuals from a historical mass grave in Kassel, Germany

“Analyses to Help Identify Individuals from a Historical Mass Grave in Kassel, Germany” by Philipp v. Grumbkow, Anna Zipp, Birgit Großkopf, Kai Fueldner, and Susanne Hummel, published in Anthropologischer Anzeiger (Vol. 69, No. 1, 2012, pp. 1–43), presents a multidisciplinary study aimed at identifying human remains from a historic mass grave in Kassel, Germany. The authors combine osteological, forensic, and biochemical analyses to reconstruct demographic information, cause of death, and possible identities of the individuals. The article highlights how modern anthropological methods can illuminate historical events, offering insights into population composition, health, and mortality patterns of the period.

Uniforms of the British Rocket Troops in the Napoleonic Wars

 

Uniforms of the British Rocket Troops in the Napoleonic Wars

“Uniforms of the British Rocket Troops in the Napoleonic Wars” by C. E. Franklin, published in the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research (Vol. 81, No. 327, Autumn 2003, pp. 191–215), provides an in-depth study of the dress and equipment of Britain’s rocket troops during the Napoleonic Wars. Franklin examines uniform design, regimental distinctions, and practical adaptations that supported the troops’ specialized role in artillery and rocket deployment. Drawing on contemporary illustrations, records, and surviving artifacts, the article contextualizes these uniforms within both operational requirements and ceremonial presentation, offering valuable insights for military historians, reenactors, and enthusiasts of early 19th-century British military material culture.

The Roots of Artillery Doctrine: Napoleonic Artillery Tactics Reconsidered

 

The Roots of Artillery Doctrine: Napoleonic Artillery Tactics Reconsidered

“The Roots of Artillery Doctrine: Napoleonic Artillery Tactics Reconsidered” by Bruce McConachy, published in The Journal of Military History (Vol. 65, No. 3, July 2001, pp. 617–640), provides a critical reexamination of Napoleonic artillery tactics and their influence on the development of European artillery doctrine. McConachy analyzes the organizational innovations, battlefield deployment, and tactical employment of artillery during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting how mobility, concentration of fire, and coordination with infantry and cavalry shaped combat outcomes. Drawing on contemporary manuals, reports, and after-action accounts, the article situates Napoleonic artillery within a broader historical framework, offering new insights into how these practices informed later 19th-century military thought. Essential reading for scholars of military history, doctrine development, and Napoleonic warfare.

Napoleon’s Soldiers and Their Uniforms

 

NAPOLEONIC UNIFORMS

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Napoleonic Uniforms by W. A. Thorburn, published in History Today (Vol. 9, 1959, p. 610), offers a detailed examination of the uniforms and accoutrements of Napoleonic-era armies. Thorburn explores the design, color schemes, and distinctions of various regiments, providing insight into how uniforms reflected rank, unit type, and national identity. Illustrated with period examples, the article situates military dress within both practical battlefield considerations and ceremonial functions, making it a valuable reference for historians, collectors, and enthusiasts interested in Napoleonic military material culture.

Soldiers for Sale: German "Mercenaries" with the British in Canada during the American Revolution (1776-83)

 

Soldiers for Sale: 

German "Mercenaries" with the British in Canada during the American Revolution (1776-83)

by Jean-Pierre Wilhelmy, Virginia Easley DeMarce, and Marcel Trudel

Overview

A fascinating study that uncovers an important aspect of the history of the American Revolution, this account reveals how the British Army that fought the American Revolutionaries was, in fact, an Anglo-German army. Arguing that the British Crown had doubts about the willingness of English soldiers to fight against other English-speaking people in North America, the book details how the task of providing troops fell upon the princes of German States, who were relatives of England's ruling family. In return for large amounts of money, German princes and barons provided about 30,000 soldiers, many of whom were dragged unwillingly from their families and sent to fight in a war in which they had no interest. While some of the soldiers eventually melted into the French and English-speaking societies of Canada, little history has been available, not even to the descendant families. These soldiers' experiences offer new insight into the battles that took place between 1776 and 1783 and had an impact that spanned four countries.

(Book Review)

“Soldiers for Sale: German “Mercenaries” with the British in. Canada during the American Revolution, 1776-83 ”

Deutsche Verfassungsdokumente 1816 (Hessen-Kassel)

 

Deutsche Verfassungsdokumente 

1816 - 1831 (Hessen-Kassel)