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HIS 208: THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

Annotated Bibliography

Military Revolution is a critical phenomenon that has taken place in distinct ages. It refers to the radical changes that took place regarding military strategies and tactics that further resulted to the changes in governance. In this paper, there is the discussion concerning the way the revolution took place, the course, the people involved and the consequences of the actions. The discussion specifically focuses on the analysis of the military revolution in Europe from the 16th Century to the 19th Century. The military revolution concept was coined by Michael Roberts some years back. Others have supported the idea that the issue regarding military revolution was acceptable as many people had to evaluate the statements regarding military armament in Europe during that period.

Thesis: The major discussion is on military revolution in Europe between 1517 to 1800, its causes, courses and its consequences

Ayton, A. & Price, J.L. (). The Military Revolution from a Medieval Perspective

Ayton and Price provide an in-depth discussion regarding the military revolution. The authors discuss about the controversial debate concerning the appearance of the military revolution especially on issues such as timing. However, there is a general understanding amongst many historians that the military revolution took place during the early modern period in Europe. In the article, Michael Roberts gives a tactical approach towards the strategic reforms that were enhanced by the Dutch army during the end of the 16th century. The Dutch army, led by Gustuvus Adolphus came together with other groups forming alliances that were able to defeat their enemies. However, the other historians have not given understandable approach concerning the timing of the revolution.

According to the authors, there are a total of three elements that have been weighed and said to be the reasons for discussing the importance and consequences of military revolution one of the elements is the heavily armored cavalry worn by infantry. These tools are the most effective materials of armies in battle. The first point is that the components are in the form of English longobowen. Other men also put on arms known as Swiss pikemen. The pikemen had varying pike combinations which were shot across the western and central Europe. Besides, there was the introduction of women that use gunpowder remains. Another characteristic of the war is that the form of attack was known as the siege warfare with the introduction of the handheld weapons that transformed the issues related to infantry fighting.

Another change that took place during these revolutionary times was the increase of the size of the armies that took part in the battle. This was more consequential as this led to great revolt among many camps. There was change from powerfully armed knight to a foot-soldier that led to social transformation of the battlefield through the increase in the number of foot-soldiers thus increasing the size of the army. The soldiers were awarded high salary which was more lucrative and attractive. Another crucial factor that affected the military revolution during these periods is the management of time. Campaigns were organized on a slower mission, with an aim of achieving the best results. Wars changed into a series of long ranges of sieges, resulting to indecisive consequences. 

With the utilization of military equipment and aspects such as firearms, infantry and siege techniques, there was the transformation on the military ideologies and these were the effects of the military revolt in the European Society.

Greengrass, M. (2014). Christendom Destroyed: Europe 1517-1648. Penguin Publishing Group

Greengrass generally gives more description on reformation as not just a period associated with great transformation but also the analysis should be done regarding the weakening traditions. The military rebellion was closely related to the French revolution. The French were tired of the kingship rule and therefore they had to overthrow the dynasty. In addition, various religious groups were also affected. One of the churches was the Catholic Church, as the wars such as the French revolution changed the minds of people in radicalization towards military empowerment. During the military revolutions and rebellions, English’s kingship was also affected, as there was a huge separation between the Catholics and the king of England. The revolution was also associated with the Queen Jay reign that took only 9 days. Greengrass explains that Martin Luther was instrumental in coming up with the idea of starting a movement that basically protested against other religious factors. 

The major issues discussed by Greengrass were not absolutely the military revolution, but the explanation he gave represented the consequences of the military armament. The changes in French state were due to a military rebellion and at the same time, England was unstable due to the challenges of King Edwards. However, from the discussions, it can be noted that the transformation of the military bases and the increase in the size of the army led to these revolutions. Wars were fought at this time and there was no peace, thus even the religious activities came up with their own wrangles. At this stage, there was a period known as the Dark Age.

Black, J. (1990). A Military Revolution? Military Change and European Society 1550-1800. Palgrave McMillan

Jeremy Black gives quite a different story from the other others who supported the point that there was a military revolution in Europe during the said period. He radically rejects the notion that military revolution ever took place, as he posed a challenge concerning the established idea. In his argument, he views the point with the idea that the concept is not clear and does not fully explain the phenomena that occurred during the same period. According to Jeremy, all the activities that took place at that time were not fully dependent on the military rebellion but rather it came from within the people themselves

The information in the academic material gives a relationship between military might and domestic stability. He narrates that domestic stability does not necessarily result from the military strength, but rather, military might depends on domestic stability. Through peace and harmony, there is a plan of improving on the other sectors of the economy especially on investments and the army. Therefore, there lacks credibility in the point that during this turmoil that consumed Europe, including the French rebellion, the English rebellion from Catholic Church and also other forces joining for war. It is important to note that the wars and tensions came from how tired the subjects were to the rules and regulations of the dynasties.

From the analysis of Black, it can be noted that his points were realistic considering the fact that this period was meant for war and dissatisfaction of the governance by the citizens in Europe. Changes even took place in religious aspects, meaning the military revolution and rebellion did not necessarily occur during this period.

Conclusion

In summary, the military revolution that is alleged to have taken place in the 16th to 19th Century did not really occur according to the description that is offered by other people. There are questions regarding the uprising that took place during the same period and therefore every community had to fight for their rights in the society. Some good examples include the French revolution and the war in the religious realm such as Catholic Church being accused of changing the religious doctrines to suit their selfish interests. Besides, the Catholic based in Rome had an issue with the King of England and hence they parted ways. Several matters therefore arose during this period but it cannot necessarily be tied down to military changes.

 

    • 8 years ago