{"product_id":"matchlocks-to-flintlocks-warfare-in-europe-and-beyond-15001700-9781399020626","title":"Matchlocks to Flintlocks: Warfare in Europe and Beyond, 1500-1700","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eThe early modern world was shaped by three dominant cultures of war: Latin Christian western Europe, Ottoman Islam, and eastcentral Europe, which was characterized by Poland\/Lithuania, Livonia, Russia, and the freebooting Cossacks. William Urbans narrative focuses on the replacement of crowd armies by professionals and the integration of mercenary forces into crown armies, which was key to this process. By the end of the seventeenth century, soldiers were identifying with the states and rulers they served. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 304 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 06 February 2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Pen \u0026amp; Sword Books Ltd\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn the early modern world, three dominant cultures of war emerged through a complex interplay of internal and external factors. One was Latin Christian Western Europe, characterized by its strong religious influence and hierarchical structures. Another was Ottoman Islam, known for its strict religious laws and military conquests. The third, often overlooked, was east-central Europe, comprising Poland, Lithuania, Livonia, Russia, the freebooting Cossacks, and a diverse mix of Christian variations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWilliam Urbans captivating narrative delves into the heart of early modern warfare, offering a comprehensive account of campaigns, battles, soldiers, and generals. Spanning from the French invasion of Italy in 1494 to Austria's Balkan victories culminating in the 1718 Treaty of Peterwardein, this narrative encompasses a vast temporal and geographical range, from the Low Countries to the depths of the Ukraine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the center of Urbans analysis are two significant developments: the replacement of crowd armies by professional soldiers and the integration of these professionals into crown armies. This transformation was facilitated by the mercenary, initially recruited to supplement the limitations of feudal levies. Over time, mercenary forces evolved into skilled users of increasingly complex gunpowder technology, navigating complex tactical situations. By the end of the seventeenth century, soldiers began to identify with the states and rulers they served, creating a new era of military professionalism and loyalty.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLatin Christian Western Europe, characterized by its strong religious influence and hierarchical structures, played a pivotal role in shaping the early modern world of war. The Catholic Church, with its powerful influence over the lives of individuals and nations, influenced military strategies and tactics. The feudal system, which relied on the loyalty and service of noblemen and knights, also shaped the nature of warfare, with armies often composed of a mix of professional soldiers and feudal levies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key features of Latin Christian Western European warfare was the use of heavy cavalry, which dominated the battlefield during the Renaissance and early modern periods. Knights, equipped with heavy armor and lances, were able to charge into enemy lines, causing devastating damage to opposing forces. The use of artillery, such as cannons and mortars, also became increasingly important, allowing for long-range strikes and the destruction of enemy fortifications.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother significant aspect of Latin Christian Western European warfare was the development of siege warfare. Cities and fortresses were crucial in maintaining control over territories and resources, and armies often spent months or even years besieging them. The use of siege engines, such as catapults and trebuchets, allowed for the gradual undermining of enemy walls and the eventual capture of the fortification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOttoman Islam, on the other hand, emerged as a powerful force in the early modern world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The Ottoman Empire, founded by Sultan Mehmed II in the early 14th century, was known for its strict religious laws and military conquests. The Ottomans employed a variety of military strategies, including cavalry, artillery, and siege warfare, to expand their empire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key features of Ottoman warfare was the use of Janissaries, a corps of elite soldiers recruited from the Christian minorities within the Ottoman Empire. Janissaries were trained in the Ottoman military system and were known for their loyalty and discipline. They were often used as shock troops, charging into enemy lines to break the enemy's formation and disrupt their attacks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother important aspect of Ottoman warfare was the use of siege warfare. The Ottomans were skilled in constructing large and complex siege engines, such as the battering ram and the siege tower. These engines allowed for the gradual undermining of enemy walls and the eventual capture of the fortification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEast-central Europe, comprising Poland, Lithuania, Livonia, Russia, the freebooting Cossacks, and a diverse mix of Christian variations, also played a significant role in shaping the early modern world of war. Poland, Lithuania, and Livonia were part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, a powerful state that sought to expand its influence in the region. Russia, on the other hand, was a powerful empire that sought to expand its territory and influence in Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cossacks, a group of semi-independent warriors who roamed the Russian steppes, were known for their bravery and skill in combat. They often served as mercenaries for various European powers and were known for their ability to adapt to different environments and combat styles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEast-central Europe was also home to a variety of religious and ethnic groups, including Jews, Muslims, and Orthodox Christians. These groups often clashed with each other, leading to religious wars and conflicts that spilled over into the broader world of war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the early modern world was shaped by three dominant cultures of war: Latin Christian Western Europe, Ottoman Islam, and east-central Europe. These cultures were influenced by a complex interplay of internal and external factors, including religious beliefs, political structures, and economic developments. The narrative of William Urbans provides a fascinating insight into the heart of early modern warfare, highlighting the significant developments in military technology, tactics, and the role of professional soldiers. The mercenary, initially recruited to supplement the limitations of feudal levies, played a crucial role in the transformation of warfare, evolving into skilled users of complex gunpowder technology and eventually identifying with the states and rulers they served.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 420g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 155 x 235 x 27 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781399020626\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"William Urban","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44101058822394,"sku":"9781399020626","price":10.97,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/noImage_1_f0cf724b-640f-4512-9f62-e98d4c609d8b.jpg?v=1676912722","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/matchlocks-to-flintlocks-warfare-in-europe-and-beyond-15001700-9781399020626","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}