Pike and Shot Tactics 1590–1660

A careful examination of the development of infantry tactics from the late sixteenth to middle seventeenth century.

Throughout the 17th century large parts of Europe were depopulated during the wide-ranging and savage wars of religion and dynasty, involving various major powers. This was hence a key period in the development of 'modern' infantry tactics. This title covers the Dutch-Spanish wars of independence, The Thirty Years' War and the English Civil Wars.Throughout the 17th century large parts of Europe were depopulated during the wide-ranging and savage wars of religion and dynasty, involving all of the major powers. This was therefore a key period in the development of 'modern' infantry tactics, such as the use of pole-arms and muskets together - hence the popular expression 'pike and shot'. These infantry tactics involved different national schools on thought and practice, and were tested bloodily in great battles. This title covers the Dutch-Spanish wars of independence, The Thirty Years' War and the English Civil Wars.