Military Revolution & Changes in Warfare

What is the Military Revolution?

Popular definition is that the Military Revolution was the fundamental change in
the way that European Armies conducted themselves. (Important because this is
where & why American doctrine is based off of.)

Broad term used to characterize the rapid changes in technology, philosophically,
and society that played a heavy role in how warfare is/was conducted.

Technology that transformed warfare from about

1500-1650ish

●Firearms become the dominant infantry
weapon

●Artillery plays an increasing role

●Fortifications change to adapt to new
technologies

●Armor starts to disappear

○Traditional armor is useless against firearms

Firearms

●Firearms start to make appearance on the
Battlefield in the 1300’s

●The first ‘handgun’ was not popular

●By the 1500’s muskets make their way to
the battlefield

●The Matchlock musket is developed

●Wheel lock firing mechanism is developed

Artillery

-Cannons become cast out of bronze

-In the late 1500’s breach loading artillery is
developed

-Better technology leads to Field Cannons a
more modern artillery piece

Fortifications “Trace Italienne”

With artillery advancing so rapidly traditional
medieval walls and castles become useless.

The star fortification becomes the new norm.

European Conflicts that influenced doctrine, tactics & strategy

●Dutch War for Independence, 1568-1648
(80 Years War)

●Thirty Years War 1618-1648

●Sack of Magdeburg 1631

●Elizabeth Train Bands (think shoulder to shoulder)

●Oliver Cromwell & the New Model Army

○English Civil War