c1500 - c1700 - The Experience Of Warfare

Question 1

How were soldiers recruited up until 1645? (Continuity)

Answer 1

• via the tudor system of recruitment, based on the statute of Winchester
• all men aged 16-60 had to serve their local area - they were forced
• men provided their own weapons and general musters were held every few years for inspection and training
• the king appointed Lords lieutenant to command each county’s militia

Question 2

When did Parliment change the army (NMA) and what were its features?

Answer 2

• In 1645, parliment raised a national volunteer army, with regular pay, that allowed successful soldiers to be promoted to command positions
• introduced The uniform red coat which later became the color used by the British army

Question 3

What were the changes to Cavalry in the volunteer army (nma)

Answer 3

• 6600 Cavalry were raised from existing forces who were well trained and disciplined
• they recieved 24p/day but had to provide for themselves
• they were instrumental in victory - held together to charge
• 1000 dragoons raised

Question 4

What were the changes to Infantry in the volunteer army (nma)

Answer 4

• 14400 infantrymen were raised
• they recieved 8p/day - same as a labourer
• in 1645, desertion rates were high, yet army remained under strength

Question 5

What happened to the volunteer army after the civil wars?

Answer 5

• they continued as a normal part of society

Question 6

What happened to musket Masters through the 1590s?

Answer 6

They were replaced by local gentlemen, who resented taking orders from ‘lowly’ professionals

Question 7

What were the musket masters like in 1580s?

Answer 7

They were professional soldiers

Question 8

Changes in training

Answer 8

• New weapons and tactics required discipline and training:
• Hundreds of men needed to act as one, while under fire.
• Early muskets were complicated to load and fire, and musketeers were trained to fight in rows or ranks.
• They also had to learn to work together with the pikemen.

Question 9

What were the disadvantages of the old uniform and lack of uniform?

Answer 9

Each regiment wore the colour of their colonel which caused confusion on the battlefield. The lack of uniform also made it easier for soldiers to desert

Question 10

What was the impact of warfare on civilians before the civil wars?

Answer 10

• merchant ships were requisitioned for the navy to transport soldiers and supplies
• requisition of horses and supplies distrupted businesses and led to shortages
• taxes increased and trades reduced
• damage to civilian property was limited to scottish borders and coastal regions

Question 11

What was the impact of warfare on civilians during the civil wars?

Answer 11

• requisitioning of ships and supplies continued
• plunder was very common, due to lack of pay or supplies
• free quarter - armies forced communities to feed and house troops
• both sides spent a lot and collected high taxes from areas they controlled
• sieges cause lots of damage. At least 55000 people were made homeless and castles were destroyed