Why did they fight in straight 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.

What formation did the soldiers use in battle?

phalanx formation
The line formation is a standard tactical formation which was used in early modern warfare. It continued the phalanx formation or shield wall of infantry armed with polearms in use during antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Why did the soldiers fight in the Civil War?

Why They Fought Men on both sides were inspired to fight by patriotism, state pride, the chance for adventure, steady pay. Union soldiers fought to preserve the Union; the common Confederate fought to defend his home.

How were wars fought in the 18th century?

In general wars were long but not intense, were fought by professional armies and were clashes between rulers. was held even during the first half of the eighteenth century where a decline occurred in the French army, while the Prussian army under Frederick William and Frederick the Great developed.

Why did soldiers in the 17th and 18th century walk closed ranks?

Originally Answered: why did soldiers in the 17th,18th and 19th century walk in closed ranks in battle towards the enemy as they shot with their muskets? Wouldn’t spacing themselves make them more difficult targets? Simply put, you had to be in close order to defend against cavalry and infantry charges.

What would happen if infantry and artillery were both present?

If they met infantry, they’d fight in lines. If Artillery were present, they would spread into looser ranks so as not to take heavier losses. If Cavalry were present, they would fight in squares, but it took time to form up into squares.

How did soldiers fight in medieval warfare?

Soldiers would fight in different formations depending upon the enemies they faced. If they met infantry, they’d fight in lines. If Artillery were present, they would spread into looser ranks so as not to take heavier losses. If Cavalry were present, they would fight in squares, but it took time to form up into squares.

Why were heavy infantry the main force in the Revolutionary War?

Although there were many armies (especially by the latter half of the 18th century) that effectively fielded marksmen equipped with rifled muskets, who operated in spaced-out formations, these people were skirmishers, highly vulnerable to cavalry and unable to hold the field. Heavy infantry, in the lines, were the main force for good reason.