Change in the army

• composition 1500-1700

  2:1 infantry to cavalry - same people in the army

  • changed training for muskets and cannon, armies became more proffessional
  • artillery trains used more often - importance of field artillery increased
• Battlefield roles of cavalry 1500-1700

  specialist roles - no longer a decisive factor

  • harassed the enemy
  • mounted charge used very little
  • dragoons (mounted infantry with pistols)
• Battlefield roles of infantry 1500-1700

  divided into two roles

  • musketeers (gradually replaced archers)
  • armoured pikemen
• Role of the government 1500-1700

  Increased taxes for the use of mercenaries
• Standing armies 1500-1700

  Standing army - permanent, full time, professional, national soldiers - gave rulers power

  pre civil war - no standing army as they were very expensive - parliament feared they would give the king too much power
• Strategy and tactics

  pikemen and musketeers used together (attack and defence)