Warfare Through Time 1500-1700 Flashcards
Did the size of armies in 1500-1700 change?
For the first 150 years, the size didn’t change but in the last50 years of the period, size increased from around 50,000 to 130,000.
Why did pikes replace staff weapons?
Swiss pikes were unbeatable from 1470 so the number of pikemen were increased.
They were well trained and able to move around the battlefield without getting disorganised and could attack quickly.
Mass pike units could easily defeat the older infantry.
Did the composition of armies change?
The mix of infantry and cavalry changed all the time but with no pattern. It changed according to the General’s preference.
How did the importance of gunpowder weapons change?
The artillery became more important in sieges and less so in battles. Field artillery became lighter and smaller to make it easier to move around the battle field. It could keep up with an army on the march. Matchlock muskets became more important as it began to replace the longbow.
How did dragoons change the composition of armies 1500-1700?
Dragoons were introduced. They were mounted infantry. They have cheap horses as they required no training because they were only used as transport. They were usually used to fight in front of the army and to attack the enemy’s flank in battle. Armies had a lot of dragoons in the 17th century.
How did musketeers change the composition of armies 1500-1700?
Musketeers were infantry with muskets. The proportion of musketeers increased steadily through the period, so that by 1700 almost all the infantry men were armed with muskets.
How did the decline in the feudal system influence early modern warfare?
With the decline in the feudal system, society was changing rapidly in the early modern era. People had no longer owed their services to those above them.
What led to the decline of the longbow?
- Changes in farming methods
- Inflation
How did inflation lead to the decline of the Longbowmen?
Prices rose faster than wages for most of the century, which meant men had to work more to earn enough to live on, so had less time to practise archery.
How did changes in farming methods led to the decline of the longbow?
Tudor enclosures turned open farming land (which gave work to many labourers into enclosed fields with much more land given over to grazing sheep. This both reduced the number of strong men which meant men were less likely to be good archers and also it reduced the space for practice.
How far did the nature of warfare change in the early modern era?
. Units are in squares. . Muskets are used in frontlines. . Can be used as melée weapons. . Cavalry now used to flank army . Pikes + Muskets fought as an integrated force.
What was ‘The Dutch Countermarch’?
This was a tactic where musketeers were in squares of six rows. The front row fires, then marches to the back to reload while the second row moves forward to fire, and so on.
What was ‘The Swedish Salvo’?
This was a tactic where musketeers in the first three rows of around 6 people fire (first row kneels, second row crouches above 1st row and third row stands)then the first 3 rows withdraw and the back three rows fire whilst the original front rows (now at the back) reload.
How successful was the New Model Army?
The New Model Army was very successful as in their first battle they defeated the king’s main army. Nearly 1,000 people were killed or severely beaten and 4,500 people were captured as prisoners.
Why was the New Model Army created and who by?
The New Model Army was created by the parliament during the civil war. It was created as the militia were reluctant to fight far from home. Cromwell argued that the war would never end if there wasn’t a better army.
