Revolutions 1.5a- Supplemental- The Armies
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Oct 13, 2013 Explore the crucial role of local militia groups known as trained bands that formed the backbone of both factions during the English Civil Wars. Delve into the challenges of recruitment and how pikemen and musketeers influenced battlefield dynamics. Discover the innovative battle tactics that shaped infantry and cavalry roles, particularly the impact of light cavalry on combat. Unpack the strategies used by Royalist and Parliamentary forces, revealing the complexities and challenges faced early in the conflict.
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England's Lack of Standing Army
- England lacked a standing professional army before the Civil Wars, relying on poorly equipped, locally-based trained bands.
- These trained bands resisted deployment outside their home counties, forcing both sides to raise new armies.
Infantry Composition and Motivation
- Infantry, often drafted under pressure, formed the armies' base.
- Their motivation seemed less ideological and more about survival, shown by frequent side-switching upon capture.
Pikemen and Musketeers
- Infantry split into pikemen and musketeers, initially deployed separately despite belonging to the same regiment.
- This logistical and tactical mismatch was eventually corrected, aligning fighting units with organizational structure.
