Table of Contents
Did armies really charge each other?
The poorer and newer people in the army would fight at the front, then retreat backwards behind the heavy infantry and cavalry, while missile infantry gives skirmish support. Yes they did charge. The charge really continued to be practiced until as late as ww2.
Why did armies shoot in lines?
In some cases, it was possible to overturn the enemy with just one volley at a short distance. The line was considered as the fundamental battle formation as it allowed for the largest deployment of firepower. Against surrounding enemy cavalry, line infantry could swiftly adopt square formations to provide protection.
Why did armies march in lines?
They were influenced by cavalry, order and communication, and the tactics of the enemy. As warfare technology advanced, so, too, did battlefield tactics. Cavalry was effective against infantry, so the line formation was adopted to defend against cavalry.
How many U.S. soldiers were killed in the battle of the bulge?
The Americans suffered some 75,000 casualties in the Battle of the Bulge, but the Germans lost 80,000 to l00,000. German strength had been irredeemably impaired.
How did trench warfare end?
The Allies’ increased use of the tank in 1918 marked the beginning of the end of trench warfare, however, since the tank was invulnerable to the machine gun and rifle fire that were the trenches’ ultimate defense.
Did armies used to stand in lines and kill each other?
I just discovered The Armchair Historian, a rather endearing YouTuber who created an animated history lesson about why armies used to stand in lines and kill each other. It seems counterintuitive now that we have weapons designed to kill large quantities of people and traditional wars between nations have given way to asymmetrical conflicts .
How did horses influence the development of the battle tactics?
They were influenced by cavalry, order and communication, and the tactics of the enemy. As warfare technology advanced, so, too, did battlefield tactics. One example Johnson gives is how horses influenced warfighting. Cavalry was effective against infantry, so the line formation was adopted to defend against cavalry.
What do the dates on the battle line of the maps mean?
The dates on the battle line of the maps include the period during which the division held command. The lines are as of midnight unless otherwise indicated; for example, October 9 indicates the line held at midnight, October 9. The operation maps are reproductions of maps commonly used by American forces during the World War.
Why do we still have asymmetrical Wars?
It seems counterintuitive now that we have weapons designed to kill large quantities of people and traditional wars between nations have given way to asymmetrical conflicts . According to our friendly historian here, there were three main reasons armies used this battlefield formation up until the 20th century: