Weapons- changes

• when did muskets begin replacing the longbow?

  1550
• Why did muskets replace the longbow?

  Developments in technology and science

  • high carbon steel armour - impenetrable by longbows - could be pierced by muskets
  • mass productions of bullets - available to any soldier - could be stored in a barrel - easy to make (arrows were expertly crafted)

  changes in thinking

  • musketeers defeating pikemen reported - changes in tactics

  changes in society

  • growth in towns and changes in farming reduced the number of archers able to train - musket training took less time
• what pistol was developed for use with the cavalry and when?

  Wheel lock pistol - 1540s
• Why was armour abandoned


  Fire power improved making it pointless
• flintlock and matchlock

  1690s - flintlock replaces matchlock

  matchlock was

  • dangerous near gunpowder due to exposed flame
  • unreliable in rain - put out
  • visible at night - exposed flame
• Bayonets

  1660s - plug bayonet

  1705 - socket bayonet - replaced pike

  • allowed soldiers to be musketeers and mêlée soldiers - no longer needed two separate roles
• New technology and the cannon


  Cannons became less powerful because

  • new engineering - stronger walls
  • Walls were slanted - cannon balls would bounce off without damage
  • invested in new style defences - 1530s