The Musket AgeLily C

Chris B

Musket HistoryMusket like weapons can be traced back all the

way to the 14th century in China. But they were not like the muskets that were used in later years

Were developed to replace inaccurate and cumbersome hand cannons

Muskets were developed in the 16th century in Spain and soon spread throughout Europe.

TacticsInfantry organized into ranks

Traditionally three ranks (British were famous for only using two ranks) allowing one rank to reload while the other fires.

Used slow measured advancesOrganized into

ArtilleryCavalryInfantry

TechnologyRifling (concept introduced in the 1800’s)

Spiraling ridges on the interior of a rifle Improves distance Improves accuracy

MusketsMuzzle-loadedAccurate up to 60 meters An experienced soldier could fire up to three

shots per minuteBayonets

Knifes designed to fit on the end of a musketThree sided = economically efficient

Training

Napoleonic WarfareNapoleon preferred to fight on the offensive

His intent was to destroy the enemy and then pursue themHe also tried to make the enemy fight and a

disadvantage

One corps would engage in battle while the others flanked the enemy.The last corps was used as a reserve

The Battle of Austerlitz

The American RevolutionWhen the Americans entered the war they

were poorly trained

Valley ForgeBaron von Steuben introduced new drills

Combat commands, training commands, and musket drills.

The Continental Army learned to march with precision and were able to execute orders very well.

The American Revolution, cont.The most common weapons in the American

Revolution were muzzle loading flintlock muskets and cannons

Muskets weren’t very accurate so they fired in volleys.

Before

After