History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century

by Charles Oman

The 16th century bears witness to several critical military developments. The most obvious is the emergence of firepower on the battlefield. Gunpowder was several centuries old by that time, but it remained a rare and expensive siege weapon. In the 16th century, all of that changes. Cannon are lighter, limbered on smaller and more manoeuvrable carriages. Suddenly, armies have a powerful and portable siege train. In a matter of a few years, every castle in Europe becomes obsolete. Furthermore, cannon, for the first time, can be handled effectively on the battlefield. This spells ultimate doom for the large, unwieldy formations popular in earlier times, such as the Swiss pikemen's phalanx.

The new power and portability of artillery forces a radical evolution in fortification. The tall stone walls of the medieval period are now indefensible. Instead, huge, broad and low fortifications, covered by overlapping fields of fire, become essential. This new style, the "trace italienne," will dominate warfare until the wars of Frederick the Great. Indeed, one finds combat conditions in heavily fortified regions, such as the Low Countries, that resemble World War One: Interminable battles fought in muddy trenches, where snipers dominate No Man's Land and the grenade and mortar are the weapons of choice.

Gunpowder also spurs the rearmament of the infantry. A judicious mix of arqubusiers and pikemen become the favourite mix of battlefield commanders. Interestingly, gunpowder helps to revive the cavalry arm. Long helpless against the Swiss pikeman, German landesknecht and English long bowmen, the mounted soldier regains his effectiveness with the advent of firepower. Artillery now breaks up formerly untouchable infantry formations, making them vulnerable to a cavalry charge. Cavalry also embraces the pistol, giving them firepower in addition to shock value. Gustavus Adolphus, in the next century, actually has to use considerable effort to wean his cavalry off of firepower and its excessive reliance on the caracole.

These technological advances require a new level of professionalism on the part of soldiers. The professional warrior of the Middle Ages is replaced in the 16th century by the professional soldier of the modern period. In turn, the nation state finds itself required to maintain a standing, professional military. The increasing dissatisfaction of commanders with mercenary troops only accelerates this move to national, professional armies. This process becomes an essential catalyst to the birth of the modern nation state.

Genres: History, Military History, War, Nonfiction, Renaissance, 16th Century

830 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1937

About the author

Sir Charles William Chadwick Oman was a British military historian of the early 20th century. His reconstructions of medieval battles from the fragmentary and distorted accounts left by chroniclers were pioneering. His style is an invigorating mixture of historical accuracy and emotional highlights, and it makes his narratives, though founded on deep research, often read as smoothly as fiction, especially in his History of the Peninsular War. Occasionally, his interpretations have been challenged, especially his widely copied thesis that British troops defeated their Napoleonic opponents by firepower alone. Paddy Griffith, among modern historians, claims the British infantry's discipline and willingness to attack were equally important.

He was born in India, the son of a British planter, and was educated at Oxford University, where he studied under William Stubbs. In 1881 he was elected to a Prize Fellowship at All Souls College, where he would remain for the rest of his career.

He was elected the Chichele Professor of modern history at Oxford in 1905, in succession to Montagu Burrows. He was also elected to the FBA that year, serving as President of the Royal Historical and Numismatic societies, and of the Royal Archaeological Institute.

His academic career was interrupted by the First World War, during which he was employed by the government Press Bureau and Foreign Office.

Oman was a Conservative member of Parliament for the University of Oxford constituency from 1919 to 1935, and was knighted in 1920.

He became an honorary fellow of New College in 1936 and received the honorary degrees of DCL (Oxford, 1926) and LL.D (Edinburgh, 1911 and Cambridge, 1927). He died at Oxford.

Two of his children became authors. Son Charles wrote several volumes on British silverware and similar housewares. Daughter Carola was notable for her biographies, especially that of Nelson.

Reviews

[Raven]

This book was very helpful for my research. I did not read the entire book but what I did read was well researched and I feel confident citing from.

[Chris Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Charles Oman must not have gotten out much nights. In addition to writing the de rigeur history of the Napoleonic Wars in Spain, he also managed to produce the Art of War in the Middle Ages and this book, The Art of War in the Sixteenth Century. His research and analysis is deep, rich and thorough. He writes in a thoroughly readable, and as important, enjoyable style. He includes many maps and a few plates that are helpful in understanding the particular action(s) addressed. This is must read for war historians, early modern age historians and war gamers.

[Edoardo Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although written a century ago, this book does an excellent, and often drily witty, job of guiding the reader through the transformations in warfare that occurred at this time. An excellent overview of the subject.

[Ian Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even with the somewhat grim subject, the author's uncomplicated literary style is so excellent that the writing is a pleasure to read.

[Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reste très intéressant malgré son âge.

[Dean Marquis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is non fiction but reads like fiction. It's a great read for anyone irregardless of there interest.