Technological Influence on War

As nations and empires strive to further their power in the world, they are often confronted by opposition. When competing powers desire the same territory or when one attempts to gain control of an occupied land, conflict is rarely avoided. In instances where predicaments cannot be solved without force, the side with the greater military power is typically victorious. Hence, when a nation or any other entity acts in ways to expand their control, militaristic power is pushed to its limits. The military of a nation is constantly changing. As new technology is developed, it in turn is incorporated into the military. From the advances from sticks and stones to automatic weapons and even to nuclear bombs, warfare is perpetually adapting to changes in technology. In the Early Modern period of Europe, warfare changed drastically. Technological

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Technology did not cease to advance after 1600, it continues to advance to this day. With the introduction of a more mobile cannon and other weaponry defenses of cites and armies were forced to change, forever changing the tactics used in warfare. 11 European warfare was a far cry from the hired mercenaries of the fourteenth century. Whenever the cannon’s position was to be changed it was first lifted on to a cart, then the gunner could return to his platform and reload the cannon with a stone ball.

Before the cannons were redefined, European fortifications did not necessitate cannon defenses. Hoards of infantry were covered by a line of cavalry. This allowed for the soldiers to wear as little or as much armour as was deemed necessary. It was a gun capable of firing anything from a small ball of lead to steel arrows. 4

Early cannons were made entirely of iron and fired hard stones. In fact, handheld cannons were developed for individual use. To account for the recoil, the cannon had to be heavily braised. However, these improvisations were only a quick fix. Either we find a solution to our petty differences, or we will destroy each other.

Montross, Lynn, War Through the Ages, New York and London: Harper and Brothers Publishers, 1944

This book did not go into the specifics enough.

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Approximate Word count = 1650
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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