The period between the 15th and 18th centuries was an age that prided itself on classical precedents and continuity, yet witnessed dramatic change and innovation that revolutionized warfare. Historians consider evolution as steady development or change in ideas. Revolution on the other hand, involves an abrupt change in thinking and action.
This paper argues that most technological events between 15th and 18th centuries were evolutionary. As people saw deficiencies in different areas, they sought better ways of running military affairs to outdo opponents. This becomes clear when one observes the gradual change in technology and style of leadership in various countries.
According to Bennett, the demand for better war equipment prompted the Industrial Revolution so as to meet the manufacturing needs. Evidently, technological advancements had a major impact in the way the military carried out its operations.
Between 1775 and 1815, a revolution was witnessed in warfare that corresponded with the advent of American and French revolutions. This got rid of classical forms of warfare associated with past regimes; dynastic warfare, and ushered in an era of national warfare in France.
The royal armies associated with the 18th century were of dynastic nature rather than national. They had hierarchical social structures and made use of improved versions of earlier equipment.
The National Revolution that arose in France in 1789 was purely a result of dissatisfaction with the monarchy system used back then. This saw the transfer of France royal powers to a nationally elected body and also the establishment of a national militia team called the National Guard. Military personnel were made to take a new oath of commitment to France and unwilling persons were replaced by others in support of the Revolution.
Subsequent wars fought by France such as the Crimean War (1854 – 56) and Franco-Austrian war of 1859 saw the use of better equipment and huge army troops fighting for France. A similar trend was seen during the American Civil War (1861 – 65) and German unification wars (1864 – 71) with improved technology for equipment.
In 1775, a military force was set up to protect the freedom of American people from being attacked by the British army under King George III’s leadership. Missions carried out in the wilderness to locate raiders revealed the need to improve field equipment.
Conclusion
Looking at the evidence presented in this paper, we can confidently conclude that the changes witnessed between the 15th and 18th centuries were gradual and evolutionary and not revolutionary. The quest for better equipment spurred changes in technology and consequently, allowed armies to be well prepared during war. This inspired further technological innovations.
Although countries initially faced greatly challenged using new technologies, this was overcome by engaging the services of experts from other countries.
Bibliography
Addington, Larry H. The Patterns of War since the Eighteenth Century. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press, 1994.
Bennett, George D. The United States Army: Issues, Background and Bibliography. Hauppauge, New York: Nova Publishers, 2002.