Wars of the 18th century

Author: Westville
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: There wasn't much military innovation in the 18th century, with only slow progress in weapons, tactics, and command levels. Infantry still advanced in tight columns and engaged in close combat. However, the ability of infantry to counter cavalry improved. For a long time, the best weapon for infantry to fight cavalry was the pike. After the introduction of the bayonet in the early 18th century, the pike was replaced by the bayonet. This allowed infantry armed with smoothbore muskets to protect themselves with bayonets, and the construction of artillery became more standardized, with greater flexibility in movement. The highly powerful cannons with impressive firepower and range began to dominate the battlefield, becoming the primary killer of soldiers.