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Cavalry
The
Cavalry arm of most armies in the era of the Musket were conservative
very few changes happened .
In 1690 the cavalry formed up in line on the battle field in squadrons
or troops . The weapon for Cavalry was the sword or the pistol
. The use of the pistol depended on the nationality of the cavalry
. The British Cavalry under Marlborough used the pistol for defense
whilst out foraging ,
On the other hand the Austrians use the pistol in attack . As
the charge went in the squadron or troop would let off a volley
. A method that worked well against Turkish troops .
One of the fundamental changes to the Cavalry was the introduction
of Light Cavalry such as the Hussars Light Dragoons and Lancers
. The light Cavalry units were further developed under Napoleon
who used the Light Cavalry in attack as well as following up the
enemy in a rout or in reconnaissance . The culmination of the
Light Cavalry must be at the battle of Balaclava where the Light
Brigade charged a large Russian cavalry formation and batteries
of guns .
During the American Civil War the cavalry lost their distinction
of heavy , medium and light units and all Cavalry became effectively
Light Cavalry where they took on the role of all of these cavalry
types . Charging at guns , charging infantry , reconnaissance
, taking and hold ground and also raiding behind enemy lines .
During the American Civil War Cavalry were armed with a variety
of weapons such as
carbines , pistols in some cases four , shotguns and even muskets
. Later in the War the cavalry were armed with breach loading
carbines and also magazine fed carbines such as Spencers .
Even though the Cavalry on numerous occasions between 1690 and
1866 were dealt severe blows when they charged well formed and
trained troops there were still occasions when Cavalry would still
charge Infantry and pay the price . The notion of Cavalry charging
Infantry and running them down held right upto the end of the
First World War . |
The
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a brief outline of the history of the musket
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Evolution of drill in the era of the Musket
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Unit
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Evolution to unit formations
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Artillery>>
Changes to Artillery in the
era of the Musket
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Infantry>>
A brief description of the Infantry
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Tactics>>
The
evolution of tactics in the era of the Musket
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Command>>
A
breif outline of commanding in the Age of the Musket
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Age
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