The Holy Roman Empire covered a large range of countries, so Germans, Czechs, Walloons, Poles, Croats, Serbs and Hungarians could all be found serving in what was effectively a multi-national army. The result was the Kaiserlich und Kongliche Armee (Imperial and Royal Army). The very disparate nature of this force created problems of inconsistency and headaches for command. As a result for much of the early period of the wars command was dictated from Vienna, resulting in a paralysis of operational command that a young Bonaparte was able to exploit to the full in North Italy. The litany of defeats at the hands of the French tends to lead wargamers to dismiss the Austrians as a viable wargames army. This view is perhaps a little short-sighted, as the Austrians faced the French army at the height of its power, and coming second best to Napoleon at his peak is not a fair reflection on the qualities of KuK Armee. On a purely practical note, the Austrians are very easy to paint, and look very smart indeed on the battlefield. In terms of best results for least effort, the Austrians hold all the cards!
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