Before the Military Revolution: European Warfare and the Rise of the Early Modern State 1300–1490
Before the Military Revolution: European Warfare and the Rise of the Early Modern State 1300–1490
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The model of a military revolution, the idea that military developments influenced the statebuilding process in Europe, is adapted to a couple of periods in early modern Europe. This book examines European Warfare in the late Middle Ages from 1300 to 1490. It doesn't restrict itself solely to well covered conflicts, like the Anglo-Scottish Wars or the Hundred Years War, but gives due weight to all regions of Europe, including the Empire, the Baltic, Balkans and Mediterranean and also considers developments in Naval Warfare. The Hussite Wars or the Wars of the Teutonic Order and the Hanseatic League are covered, as is the expansion of Moscow, the Ottomans of Venice and the analysis of battles like Aussig (1426), Copenhagen (1428), Chojnice (1454) will not will not be overshadowed by that of Bannockburn and Agincourt.This period witnessed fundamental change. The feudal system of the High Middle Ages crumbled everywhere in Europe due to climatic change, economic crisis and population decline. This triggered a fiscalization of the military organization, the establishment of taxes and representation of the estates. This book argues that these changes are the most fundamental ones in the military and political organisation in Europe until the rise of the constitutional state around 1800 and so comes closer to the original concept of a military revolution. It also takes a critical look at other often discussed developments of this age, like the infantry and artillery revolution or the decline of cavalry. The combination of a chronological and regional narrative with deeper analysis of themes like chivalry, strategy, economic warfare or military publications makes this book an indispensable read for anyone interested in late medieval history.
