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The Renaissance was an age of great scientific discoveries and enlightenment, but like any other age it was marked by a series of conflicts for both religious and political reasons. The early conflicts arose from the Protestant Reformation and the resultant backlash from the supporters of the Catholic faith; sometimes known as the Counter Reformation. |
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The later conflicts arose from the attempts by France to achieve precedence in Europe. Opposing France in this aim were, at various times, Austria, Britain, Holland, Prussia and Russia. These conflicts were expanded overseas through attempts to increase their influence by colonisation. |
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The early conflicts included :- The later conflicts often originated from rival claims to the throne. If successful it was seen as an easy way to unite two kingdoms, or at least provide a favourable alliance. These conflicts included :- The Renaissance is an age well known for the skill of the "Great Captains" that fought in these wars :- The development of gunpowder weapons interacting with pikes for protection against mounted troops provided a change from the mediaeval period. Although the gunpowder weapons had a much slower rate of fire than the longbow, it was much easier to train troops in the use of the "fire sticks". Skilled use of the longbow took years to master and constant practise to maintain. As the period went on, a greater percentage of shot versus pike appeared in most armies. As shot armed troops became more confident in their power to stop charging cavalry, they began to operate independently of protective pike blocks. This gave armies much greater maneouvrability. DBR is a set of wargaming rules produced by Wargames Research Group in the UK. These have developed out of their popular DBA and DBM rules for Ancient and Mediaeval wargaming. There are subtle differences which encourage the use of historical formations in order for armies to be successful. Several club members enjoy the challenges of DBR. Notable armies are the Polish army of Michael and the Swedish army of John M. Although predominantly supporting the Ancient and Mediaeval periods, for additional information on the DBx family of rules click to go to the NWA Inc DBx pages developed and maintained by Scott Nicholas, or check out the Renaissance links by clicking on the "Links" button below. |
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Early in the period, shot without the protection of pike would need the aid of rough terrain as protection against mounted troops as shown by John M's Swedish troops above. As their weapons and tactics improved, shot was able to operate independently. |
Gustavus Adolphus was champion of the Protestant cause during the Thirty Years War. Known as the "Lion of the North", his reforms created a professional army that was widely copied. For a time Sweden became one of the great European powers. |
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Dragoons operated as mounted infantry. They did not fight as cavalry, but used their mounts to move rapidly to an important part of the battlefield. They then dismounted and fought as skirmishers on foot. |
The Swedes used reindeer in a skirmish role. |
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Some cavalry used the Spanish method of ordered ranks moving forward in turn and firing their pistols. Other cavalry still liked to charge home into their enemies like the knights of old. Prince Rupert in the English Civil War was well known for the massed charge. |
Renaissance artillery was still in its infancy. Although it put great fear into some opponents, it could not win a battle on its own. The days of Napoleon's grand batteries were yet to come. Usually placed in position by civilian drivers before the start of a battle, they were unlikely to be relocated. |
