School of War Ep 184: Alexander Burns on the Dawn of the Modern Battlefield
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Mar 14, 2025 Alexander Burns, an Assistant Professor of History at Franciscan University and author of "Infantry in Battle 1733-1783," dives into the evolution of combat from Marlborough to Napoleon. He discusses how 18th-century warfare transformed into chaotic confrontations, emphasizing the psychological shifts in soldiers and the rise of firearms. The conversation also covers Prussian military innovations, the blending of European strategies with American tactics during the Revolutionary War, and the ideological motivations that began to shape modern enlistment.
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Evolving Battlefield
- The 18th-century battlefield evolved into a savage, difficult space.
- Soldiers adapted to hellish scenes by prioritizing firearms and dispersion.
Shifting Combat Styles
- Soldiers in the 18th century, particularly during the War of Polish Succession, increasingly avoided hand-to-hand combat.
- They preferred ranged combat with firearms.
Decisiveness in Battle
- 18th-century battles often lacked decisive outcomes.
- One side typically withdrew due to ammunition exhaustion rather than clear victory.
