History warstrategies

MAT THEW JESSE2 -YEAR AT DELTA COLLEGE IN MICHIGAN

BUSI NESS & MARKETI NGHIS 240 -RENAISSANCES AND REFORMATIONS

PROF. LAURA DULLWINTER SEMESTER 2014

The Thirty Years’ War

The developments of war strategies throughout the Thirty Years’ War influenced the style of warfare in future wars.

English Civil War (1642-1651) Napoleonic War (1799-1815)American Civil War (1861-1865)

The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648)

The Thirty Years’ War began when Ferdinand II attempted to curtail the religious activities of his subjects, sparking rebellion among the Protestants.

The war consisted among the major powers of Europe, with Sweden, France, Spain and Austria.

Thirty Years War: The Dutch System

Prince Maurice of Nassau was the captain-general of the Dutch army in 1587.

Maurice instigated the formation of permanent units, equipment and weapons were standardized throughout the army, and higher standards of discipline were introduced.

Military Formation

The regiments were organized into two or more battalions. Battalions were deployed in three lines of battle, and

staggered in a checkerboard formation which increased vulnerability to their flanks.

The pikes formed the center of the battalion with musketeers and harquebusiers on each flank.

Cavalry was used to protect the flanks.

Military Tactics

The front row would fire, and reload while the second row moved to the front to fire rapidly giving no time for the enemy to recover. Refinement of the “Spanish Countermarch” (Most important tactic developed) Soldiers firing weapons at the same time due to training in unison and rhythm.

Third line was a reserve which was only committed to battle as a last resort to push for victory or having to retreat.

The flanks were armed with pistols and carbines, to support and defend the infantry.

Thirty Years War: The Swedish System

Gustavus Adolf took in consideration of the Dutch military system, but used his own ideas to have the most effective system throughout the Thirty Years’ War.

Gustavus increased the firepower of his infantry, through the improvements of weapons, and the reforming of formations.

Infantry Firepower

Gustavus had very well trained soldiers in which most were paid, and were taken care of. Encouraged officers to be more self-reliant on their own command abilities.

The firepower of the Swedish infantry increased significantly with the use of cannons where it was needed most.

Gustavus made a huge impact on the battlefield by introducing a lighter musket to be more mobile. Being able to hit your enemy hard should not compromise your mobility.

Military Formations

The infantry regiments were divided into two units which were shaped into a diamond pattern, and or an arrowhead formation.

Gustavus divided the cavalry regiments into two squadrons in which each squadron had four companies.

The formations became more wide, having greater protection against the artillery and a smaller target from attacks from the sides.

Fighting Tactics

Gustavus developed “Doubling the Files” for when the enemy drew near.

If the enemy stood their ground, the musketeers would countermarch and reload behind the shelter of the pikes to fire once more.

Once the enemy faltered, the infantry charged to defeat them in hand-to-hand combat.

Aggression Offensive Warfare

The cavalry were deployed in three ranks and trained to charge.

First and second ranks fire their pistols and advance with their swords with another pistol for the melee.

The third rank attacked with drawn swords with both pistols loaded for the melee. Historians saying no revolution was made because no one actually was forced to surrender.

English Civil War There are a lot of Swedish System war tactics used in the English Civil War, but

heavier artillery was used.

Napoleonic War Indirect Approach- attacking enemy from the rear. Central Position- used when the armies were weaker than its enemy.

American Civil War The style was very similar, however the bullets were improved giving more

speed, and damage.

"English Civil Wars." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014Roberts, Michael.

"Entrance into the Thirty Years' War." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

"Napoleon: Battle Strategies." Napoleon: Battle Strategies. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

"Napoleon's Strategy and Tactics : Napoleonic Wars." Napoleon's Strategy and Tactics : Napoleonic Wars. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.

"Pike & Shot Tactics." Pike and Shot Tactics. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

"Soldiers in the English Civil War." Soldiers in the English Civil War. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

"The Spanish Army of the Thirty Years' War." Art of Warre. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

"Thirty Years’ War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2014.

Works Cited