Lieutenant George H. R. J. Reisseitz, Prussian Army, created first widely used modern wargame

In 1824 Lieutenant Reisseitz adapted the wargame invented by his father so that it could be played using a relatively new invention - topographic maps.  The result was a cheaper, more convenient (you cannot roll up a sand table needed for his father’s wargame) and more flexible wargame.

Lt Reisswitz soon demonstrated his innovation to the Prussian Chief of Staff, General Karl von Muffling.  After initial bored skepticism General Muffling became increasingly excited.  Finally he exclaimed, “It’s not a game at all, it’s training for war.  I shall recommend it enthusiastically to the whole army.”  Actually, he ordered all garrisons to conduct wargames.  (His more modern application of wargaming is why some historians credit Lt Reisswits with perfecting the first truly modern wargame.)

This order did not enhance Lt Reisswitz’s popularity.  His fellow officers resented the time these cumbersome wargames required.  Lt Reisswitz was first transferred to a remote garrison, then he was shunned by his fellow officers.  Finding his isolation intolerable, in 1827 Lt Reisswitz took his own life.

(Last Updated 23 September 2011.)

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