"Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket." -- A. Lincoln

"Vicksburg is the nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." -- J. Davis

Many people have looked over the chapter list for "20 Decisive Battles" and challenged some of the "selections." Such as why did the authors choose the Battle of the Metaurus in the 2nd Punic War, instead

As we have mentioned before, there have been many lively discussions about the validity of the choices Creasy/Mitchell made for a short list of battles throughout western history. Perhaps the selection of Sadowa-- an unheard of campaign from an almost overlooked war (Austria v Prussia, 1866)-- prompts the most vigor.

And yet, one could make the case that Sadowa is the single most significant battle in the entire book, with ripples that had enormous impact over the next century. If the Austrians had won at Sadowa, it is unlikely World War 1 would have happened as it did. Take away WW1, and is there a WW2?

Backing up this bold statement, remember that 1866 sees Prussia as a rising German state among still scattered principalities. Austria and France were both uneasy at Prussia's growth. If there was to be more German unification, the Austrians expected to be the central player, and in fact the French made an ultimatum to Prussia and nearly joined in this war on Austria's side (probably better for them if they had!).

Once the war began, history watched fast-moving Prussian formations defeat or outwit stumbling, hesitating Austrian forces. Oddly enough, the Austrian overall commander was one person in the country who did not want this war, moving slowly (too slowly to support his Saxon allies, who were quickly knocked out of the war) and placing his superior forces into defensive positions where they still suffered defeats. He suggested to the government that they needed to make peace ASAP, then misinterpreted the response as a direct order to "make a stand." He selected favorable terrain, up against the Elbe between Sadowa and Königgrätz (the two names the battle is known by). And waited.

Outnumbered nearly 1-2, the Prussians attacked anyway. While the Austrian artillery was far superior, the Prussians were using breech-loading rifles and infantry tactics that supported both movement and prone firing. Though they took heavy losses, attacking kept the initiative out of Austrian hands, and when Prussian reinforcements evened the odds, the battle was over. A series of bold Austrian cavalry charges allowed the army to withdraw (it was still that kind of warfare) but the war's outcome was only a matter of time. Prussia ended up stronger, the French more envious, and the seeds of 1870 were planted.

Our Sadowa campaign lets players explore the options open to both sides. Initiative is key and can allow one side the chance to make several partial moves in a row, thus capturing the sweeping moves each side made (or tried to). The Prussian player has further options, like bringing in his superior General HQ (and all the drama of the Prussian court), or choosing "foraging" tactics which simplify his supply but cost him victory points (for the damage this does to his army).

Designed by veteran Jim Werbaneth, The Sadowa Campaign comes with a mounted, 11" x 17" map covering the entire campaign area (your decisive battles might happen somewhere else besides Sadowa!) and 100 full-color, die-cut counters, plus players' aids and easy rules.

Can you, as the Prussia player, start the path toward Germany being a world power? Or can you, as the Austrian player, strengthen your fragmented empire and avert the future catastrophe Germany's ambition will bring to Europe?

of the much larger Cannae, or the more well-known "final" battle at Zama? And, for the same reasons, how could they choose Vicksburg as the single most important campaign of the American Civil War over the larger, better known Gettysburg, or the final round-up that lead to Appomattox?

The answer to all these questions is the book's focus on DECISIVE battles...on key actions which made all the difference to the final outcome, even if years away from the end.

By that standard, Vicksburg is an easy choice... as the words of both presidents indicate. Vicksburg was the key. Holding it meant "holding the South together," with access to all the Confederacy's western men, food, horses, supplies... and Mexican ports. Holding it also meant the Mississippi River could not be used by the Union for transporting troops, supplies, and exported goods from the Midwest. The longer Vicksburg stood, the more would farmers and businesses in half the country be hurt by the war.

Vicksburg was the key. Can you put that key in your pocket or deny it to the enemy?

Can you, as the Federal forces, match U.S. Grant's finest campaign? He crossed a river, marched without supply lines and won five battles, captured and sacked a state capital, and then lay siege and captured one of the best-defended spots on earth. Can you, commanding the theater forces for the Confederacy gather your scattered troops and disjointed commands and create a force strong enough to launch powerful attacks? Can you punish Grant for his audacity? Can you make it appear that Pemberton and Johnston are fighting for the same side?

You decide, in this great new game from veteran designer Paul Rohrbaugh.

The sweep and scope of the campaign are included, from Grant's Crossing at Bruinsburg to the finale (or not). Interesting side stories are also part of the picture, like Grierson's Raid, the CSS Arkansas, and "that devil Forrest" and his part--or not-- in the grand campaign.

The Vicksburg Campaign includes:
One full color, 11” x 17” mounted map
140 full color, die-cut counters
12 page rulebook

如果您對本商品有什麼問題或經驗，請在此留下您的意見和建議！