Sadowa 1866

Sadowa 1866: a name that sounded like a thunderclap at the turn of the 19th century. Also known as Königgrätz in the German world, it was the largest battle in the Western world after the Napoleonic Wars and up until World War I. It also marked, and contrary to what all observers expected, the fall of the power that had dominated the Germanic world for four centuries. After barely more than a week of campaigning and a series of minor battles that had severely hampered the Austrian army, 220,000 Prussians faced 180,000 Austrians allied with 20,000 Saxons positioned on high ground, their backs to the Elbe. The defensive situation chosen was both interesting and perilous.

The Prussians were not yet regrouped at the start of the day, but they nevertheless launched the attack. The victory was resounding and final for the Prussian troops. It would forever change the face of Europe. By the end of July 3, 1866, 21,000 Austro-Saxons were out of action and another 20,000 were taken prisoner: a quarter of the Habsburg Empire's northern army was eliminated, and the rest retreated in great disorder to cover Vienna. The Prussians suffered "only" 9,000 losses despite a tense situation at midday. Austria was definitively rejected from the Germanic world, which would finish building German unity around Prussia four years later.

This wargame represents the final battle in the series dedicated to the 1866 war in Bohemia. A campaign system — available for download from the website — allows players to play through the first six battles (VaeVictis issues 157, 166, and 174) in succession, resulting in a potentially different situation from the historical one. Based on the series The Great Battles of Napoleon III (VaeVictis issues 55, 73, 138, 157, 166, and 174), the system is simple and dynamic, emphasizing the engagement of troops in the face of deadly defensive fire.

Game turn: one hour Units: regiments and battalions Map: one hex. = 750m Complexity: 5/10 Solitaire: ​​7/10