The Musket Age Lily C Chris B
May 10, 2015
The Musket AgeLily C
Chris B
Musket HistoryMusket like weapons can be traced back all the
way to the 14th century in China. But they were not like the muskets that were used in later years
Were developed to replace inaccurate and cumbersome hand cannons
Muskets were developed in the 16th century in Spain and soon spread throughout Europe.
TacticsInfantry organized into ranks
Traditionally three ranks (British were famous for only using two ranks) allowing one rank to reload while the other fires.
Used slow measured advancesOrganized into
ArtilleryCavalryInfantry
TechnologyRifling (concept introduced in the 1800’s)
Spiraling ridges on the interior of a rifle Improves distance Improves accuracy
MusketsMuzzle-loadedAccurate up to 60 meters An experienced soldier could fire up to three
shots per minuteBayonets
Knifes designed to fit on the end of a musketThree sided = economically efficient
Training
Napoleonic WarfareNapoleon preferred to fight on the offensive
His intent was to destroy the enemy and then pursue themHe also tried to make the enemy fight and a
disadvantage
One corps would engage in battle while the others flanked the enemy.The last corps was used as a reserve
The Battle of Austerlitz
The American RevolutionWhen the Americans entered the war they
were poorly trained
Valley ForgeBaron von Steuben introduced new drills
Combat commands, training commands, and musket drills.
The Continental Army learned to march with precision and were able to execute orders very well.
The American Revolution, cont.The most common weapons in the American
Revolution were muzzle loading flintlock muskets and cannons
Muskets weren’t very accurate so they fired in volleys.
Before
After