The Army of Flanders and the Spanish Road, 1567–1659: The Logistics of Spanish Victory and Defeat in the Low Countries' Wars

by Geoffrey Parker

• ISBN13: 9780521543927
• ISBN10: 0521543924
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-15
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

The publication of The Army of Flanders and the Spanish Road in 1972 marked the birth of the 'new military history', which emphasized military organization - mobilization, pay, supply, morale and, above all, logistics - rather than military 'events' such as sieges and battles. Geoffrey Parker studied one of the great logistical feats of early modern Europe: how Habsburg Spain managed to maintain and mobilize the largest army in Europe in an 80-year effort to suppress the Dutch Revolt, at 700 miles' distance. Using a unique combination of surviving records, he presented strikingly the logistical problems of fighting wars in early modern Europe, and demonstrated why Spain failed to suppress the Dutch Revolt. The book has been constantly cited since its first publication in English (with translations into Spanish and Dutch). This revised second edition includes some new sources and updates some references but otherwise remains faithful to the original version.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The character of the low countries' wars

Part I. Assembling An Army: The Problem of Distance: 1. Mobilization

2. The military corridors of the army of Flanders

3. The Spanish road

4. The high command

Part II. Maintaining an Army: the Problem of Resources: 5. The army of Flanders and grand strategy

6. Financial resources

7. Life in the army of Flanders

8. Mutiny

9. Wastage and 'reformation'

10. Demobilization

Conclusion: Spain, its enemies and the revolt of the Netherlands

Appendices A-L

Bibliography

Index.