Scharnhorst reforms

The Scharnhorst reforms were a series of military and administrative changes implemented in Prussia during the early 1800s, initiated by General Gerhard von Scharnhorst. Aimed at modernizing the Prussian Army following defeats in previous wars, these reforms focused on improving training, promoting merit-based advancement, and encouraging the use of volunteers rather than conscripts. They also emphasized the need for a more agile and strategic military structure. The reforms significantly enhanced Prussia’s military effectiveness, laying the groundwork for its later successes in the wars of German unification and influencing military organization in other countries.