From Progress to Reversion

Abstract

Dredger outlines the continued progress of the Habsburg army toward creation of a modern fighting force until the pivotal years in which a return to offensive tactics took place. During the 1880s, the high command continued attempts to improve weaponry with the purchase of repeating rifles and smokeless powder but the artillery suffered from the purchase of inferior Uchatius bronze-steel cannon. The war ministry retained the favor of parliamentary delegates toward the army by proving efficient and responsible, yet needlessly spent large sums on permanent fortresses because of the fear of fighting numerically superior opponents on multiple fronts. However, the early 1890s brought about a turning point in Austro-Hungarian military history with the appointment of Conrad, considered an innovative and progressive thinker, as tactical instructor at the war college in 1888 and the death of Archduke Albrecht in 1895. These changes resulted in a return to the errors of 1866.