New Weapons Warfare Research Paper

Weapons and Warfare evolved and developed dramatically between 1550-1650. With new technologies came exciting warfare ideas and strategies. This new development started with the gunpowder revolution, especially in Europe in the mid 1400’s. Guns began to develop rapidly and by the early 1600’s flintlock muskets were the standard.

The invention of the musket completely reinvented battles and tactics. With these new lethal and penetrating weapons, it changed the face of combat. Armor during this time became obsolete along with lancers and knights. The only horse unit at this time that proved to be effective were dragoons. Dragoons were musket infantry that would use horses to ride to battle and afterwards disembark from their horses. Along with this rapid development of weapons came very important weapons and warfare strategies. Somewhere in between 1611 and 1622 the guard of Charles the Fourth of Denmark were equipped with the first rifles. In more modern wars rifles have been the main weapon of use due to their increased accuracy. Rifling can be seen from tanks to sniper rifles to modern battleship guns. Riffling is expensive but effective; however, died …show more content…
Castles were no longer secure due to cannons which could easily penetrate them. This was also a violent era. The 30 Years War was the last major conflict between catholicism and protestantism. This war would lead to the decline of the Holy Roman Empire and split Europe in two. Many other wars happened and due to this increased activity mercenaries became common. Mercenaries are paid armies. They would go to a king or lord and as for a task. In return, the king or lord would pay them. Due to musket’s inaccuracy a new tactic would form causing new infantry. Line infantry would be common. This is where two armies would stand in parallel lines. This tactic would stay relevant until WW1. Sword to Sword combat would not change much except for there would be no shield