In 1815, the Congress of Vienna formed a new Confederation of German States and upheld Liechtenstein’s sovereignty. A severe famine in 1817 made it impossible for Liechtenstein to meet its military obligations with the German League and the people demanded to be relieved of the cost of the army. The Prince agreed to assume the financing of the small 80-man army. While citizens were still required to serve in the army, there were occasions when the Prince hired contingents from other countries to take the place of the regular Liechtenstein Army.
Liechtenstein’s army, as part of the 8th Army corps, fought in the suppression of in the Baden uprising in 1849.
During the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Prince Johann II placed his soldiers at the disposal of the Confederation but only to “defend the German territory of Tyrol”. The Prince refused to have his men fight against other Germans. The Liechtenstein contingent took up position on the Stilfse Joch in the south of Liechtenstein to defend the Liechtenstein/Austrian border against attacks by the Italians under Garibaldi. A reserve of 20 men remained in Liechtenstein. When the war ended on July 22, the army of Liechtenstein marched home to a ceremonial welcome in Vaduz. Popular legend claims that 80 men went to war but 81 came back. Apparently an Austrian liaison officer joined up with the contingent on the way back.
With dissolving of the German Confederation at the end of the war the Prince no longer had to provide troops. In 1868 he disband his small army to save money. Liechtenstein then looked to Austria for support in foreign relations until 1918.
The Principality tried to remain neutral especially in World War One and Two. Because of its close relationship to Austria during the First World War, the victorious Allies treated it as a co-belligerent. Though suffering much hardship, the people of Liechtenstein persevered in their quest for neutrality and peace.
With the passing of Liechtenstein’s last soldier in 1939, the last vestiges of Liechtenstein’s army disappeared. Today, the Principality walks the road of peace and welcomes more refugees per capita than any other nation. Liechtenstein no longer uses war as a tool to further its political aspiration and ends. Perhaps other bigger nations could take a lesson from this small country.
On this November 11th, remember those who gave their lives for their country. And perhaps give a thought to Liechtenstein’s last soldier. May we, some day, also have no need of soldiers and we can turn our swords into plowshares.
