The "poor " Hessians

[joerookery]

This is a continuation thread to clean up a thread on the introduction of a helmet and to continue a discussion on the funding of helmets in the Grand Duchy of Hesse. Many believe that Hesse was for some reason less financially viable than other states. I do not get this idea and invite anyone with ideas to jump in and share them.

Small population = small tax base = small military contribution.

Tony added this logical statement but I do not believe it fits the situation. As Tony started to explain there are many different Hesse's. The one we are talking about should really be called Hessen -- Darmstadt. Hesse-Kassel, Hesse-Nassau, and Hesse-Homburg were absorbed into Prussia as a result of the war in 1866.

Hesse was neither a small grand duchy nor one with a small population. Along with Baden, it was the only grand duchy to rate three seats in the Bundesrat due to their population. The indemnities of the 1866 war were only 3 million Guilders, half the amount required of Baden. Hesse Darmstadt was also forced to cede Hesse Homburg to Prussia as part of the indemnity deal.

Article 58 of the imperial constitution charged the "Empire" to pay for the military. While population played a major role in the "Empire" budget was rolled out per Regiment not for each state. So I do not get how a Hessian helmet would really be treated any different than anyone else in the Prussian army. Bavarian yes. I do not get Hesse however. Can someone help to clarify?

Article 58

The costs and burdens of the entire military system of the Empire are to be borne by all the federated States and their subjects equally, in such manner that neither preference nor special burden upon any individual State or class shall be in principle permissible. Where an equal distribution of the burdens cannot be brought about in natural without injury to the public welfare, the equalization is to be effected by legislation according to principles of fairness.

 

[Tony without Kaiser]

//Tony added this logical statement//

Ah.... the safe haven of my baseless opinion...... :joker: I moved the post below from the M67 thread so it "flows".

I said this as wealth is based on taxation of the population, and the Grand Duchy of Hesse-Darmstadt was not very big. Small population = small tax base = small military contribution. Especially after they sided with Austria in the war of 1866, they probably were walking on tissue with Preußen. My understanding has been of a very small, not wealthy Duchy (even though they had the coolest helmet Wappen!) Much of the area that is now Hessen was only incorporated into Groß-Hessen (Greater Hesse) in 1945, out of Hesse-Darmstadt and Hesse-Nassau after Preußen was abolished. So it is MUCH larger now than it was up to 1918. .

 

[b.loree]

In my humble opinion..which is based strictly on intuition is that the forces of a united Germany would be stronger if the monies for military spending where equalized so that no State would be hampered by its small population and tax base in fielding Regiments that were well equipped with the most modern of weapons of the time. It seems logical that this '"equalization" approach would be the best and lead to the strongest military machine to put into the field. Why would anyone want the Hessians showing up to the battle field with below standard training and equipment just because they come from a Duchy? An increase in military funds as a result of becoming part of a German empire to me would also help to win over the support of the Hessen military establishment. It is obvious that Bismark wanted total control of funds but he was no fool. I would also expect that Elite Regts would receive more funds than a basic field Regt because of the more expensive helmets and uniforms that they were expected to wear as part of their tradition. We know all about equalization payments ( a sharing of tax money between richer and poorer provinces) among provinces here in Canada. It must also be done in the US?? My opinion....Brian

 

[Muth25]

I would like to note that the Soldiers from Hesse-Kassel where some of the most well paid of the 18th and 19th century. They received both payment for being a soldier in the Hessen army and as well as payment for the army they were being employed in, I.E Great Britain. There families also received annual pensions if they where killed or wounded while serving. With regards to there decent economy it did not effect there training or battle performance, as they received great accolades from British, French, Prussian, and Austrian officials that they where serving under. Napoleon, Cornwallis, and Howe both remarked how they where the finest soldiers they had. General Ewald of the Jagers wrote the most up to date doctrine for light troops in guerilla warfare.