Option 12: c1500–c1700: Warfare and English society in the early modern period — Edexcel GCSE History
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Option 12: c1500–c1700: Warfare and English society in the early modern period explained
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, English armies experienced significant continuity and change.
Read the full explanation
While cavalry remained important, its role shifted from heavily armoured knights to lighter, firearm-equipped units like dragoons (mounted infantry). Infantry composition transformed dramatically, moving away from traditional longbowmen towards a combination of musketeers and pikemen. Pikemen provided essential defence against cavalry charges, while musketeers delivered volley fire. Over time, the ratio of musketeers to pikemen increased as firearms improved. A major structural change was the development of a standing army, replacing temporary feudal levies and militia with permanent, professional forces, notably the New Model Army.
Your focus
- Describe the specific battlefield roles of musketeers, pikemen, dragoons, and cavalry.
- Analyse the changing ratio and relationship between different troop types over the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
- Explain the concept of a standing army and its significance in the evolution of English warfare.
Option 12: c1500–c1700: Warfare and English society in the early modern period exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify the shift in infantry composition from longbows and bills to muskets and pikes.
- Explain the complementary roles of musketeers (ranged firepower) and pikemen (defence against cavalry).
- Describe the changing role of cavalry, including the introduction of dragoons who rode to battle but fought on foot.
- Analyse the shift from ad-hoc militia and feudal levies to the establishment of a permanent, professional standing army.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Use the phrase 'pike and musket' to describe the standard infantry formation of this era, highlighting how they worked together.
- 💡When discussing continuity, mention that cavalry remained a decisive shock force on the battlefield, even as their equipment changed.
- 💡Clearly define what a 'standing army' is (a permanent, professional force) when explaining its development.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing dragoons with traditional cavalry; dragoons were mounted infantry who used horses for mobility but dismounted to fight.
- Assuming the longbow disappeared overnight; the transition to muskets was gradual and longbows were still used in the sixteenth century.
- Believing standing armies existed throughout the medieval period; permanent, professional standing armies only truly developed in England during the seventeenth century.