Change in Early Modern Warfare

What Caused Change in Early Modern Warfare?

Many of the changes in Early Modern warfare were the result of circumstance: a new weapon prompted better training, a sizeable war demanded higher recruitment. It is important to consider how all of these factors led to change.

Science, technology and communications

Developments in weapons contributed to the shift towards a more professional, trained army.
Square formations required constant drill practice.

Governments and individuals

Oliver Cromwell insisted upon strict discipline and drill training.
He challenged the importance of social standing and placed greater emphasis on military experience.
Poor fiscal management in Tudor England led to inflation, meaning men had to work more to earn enough money, reducing time available for training.

Attitudes in society

Movement away from open-farming to enclosures reduced the space in which archers could practice.

1Medieval Warfare c.1250-1500

1.1Medieval Warfare & Society

1.1.1Weapons

1.1.2Composition

1.1.3Recruitment & Training

1.1.4Experience of Civilians

1.1.5Case Studies

1.1.6Change in Medieval Warfare

2Early Modern Warfare c.1500-1700

2.1Early Modern Warfare & Society

2.1.1Weapons

2.1.2Composition

2.1.3Recruitment & Training

2.1.4Experience of Civilians

2.1.5Case Studies

2.1.6Change in Early Modern Warfare

3Industrial Warfare c.1700-1900

3.1The Industrial Period & Warfare

3.1.1Weapons

3.1.2Composition

3.1.3Recruitment & Training

3.1.4Experience of Civilians

3.1.5Case Studies

3.1.6Change in Industrial Period Warfare

4Modern Warfare c.1900-present

4.1Modern Warfare & Society

4.1.1Weapons

4.1.2Composition

4.1.3Recruitment & Training

4.1.4Experience of Civilians

4.1.5Case Studies

4.1.6Change in Modern Warfare

5The Historic Environment

5.1London & the Second World War, 1939-45

5.1.1London: A Target

5.1.2Preparations for War

5.1.3The Blitz

5.1.4V1 & V2 Attacks

5.1.5Impact of the Blitz

5.1.6The War Effort

5.1.7The Government

5.1.8The Royal Family

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