Early Modern Period

Question 1

Composition of Army

Answer 1

Change in tactics and weapons (e.g. schiltrons and Longbows) meant less reliance on cavalry
1500s - Infantry units gradually became a mixture of pikemen and musketeers

Question 2

Tactics

Answer 2

Development of infantry tactics using musketeers and pikemen together. (e.g in Civil War)

Cavalry now used as a more integrated part of the army,

Question 3

Impact of new weapons

Answer 3

Gradual trend from longbows to muskets in the 1500s due to changes in society
Muskets also were adapted with bayonets so less focus on pike
Artillery was used much more in battles – guns were much lighter and easier to transport. Also cannon were more reliable by 1750

Question 4

Key Area of change in early modern period

Answer 4

Artillery used much more widely by the end of this period
Firearms (eg matchlock to flintlock musket) improved by 1750

Question 5

Key areas of continuity

Answer 5

Armies continued to be a mix of cavalry, infantry and artillery
Command largely based on social position in most armies

Question 6

Recruitment and Training

Answer 6

Militia system used in Tudor period (non-professional soldiers who can be called upon in time of need)
Organised by Lord Lieutenants, with general musters every couple of years (Similar to the Assize of Arms)
Training improved in Civil Wars with the New Model Army – was paid regularly, trained by successful soldiers.
New Model Army played more of a role in politics than any army beforehand – first standing army in Britain although disbanded after restoration of the monarchy

Question 7

Key Area of change in experience

Answer 7

More civilians directly impacted by Civil War on home soil
New Model Army more professional than any force before it

Question 8

Key areas of continuity in experience

Answer 8

Fear of plunder remained a constant
Men still forced to join armies

Question 9

Impact on Civilians

Answer 9

Civil War had a big influence on English civilians amount of fighting on home soil.
More damage done to crops/houses during Civil War (about 55,000 made homeless)

Question 10

Features of the Battle of Naseby

Answer 10

Background
New Model Army recently created by Cromwell
Royalists keen to prevent Parliament joining with Scots
Met at Naseby near Leicester

Parliamentarian Victory
- Royalists were overconfident
-Parliament had more troops and were better trained and disciplined by now
-Royalists flee and Cromwell’s cavalry chased them back to Leicester, killing hundreds

Leadership
- Cromwell (and Fairfax) were inspirational and effective leaders
-Cromwell had recruited and trained the best cavalry
-His leadership on the east-wing of the battle and in the cavalry attack was vital in two key parts of the battle

Naseby clearly showed the value of training, discipline and leadership – this gave Parliament the significant edge in the Civil War