Post on 17-Dec-2015
Learning Objectives
The student will know and understand:Spanish tactical evolution on land emphasizing CordobaThe Battle of PaviaThe Battle of LepantoThe defeat of the Spanish ArmadaDevelopments in weaponry during the mid-16th century
Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Conquest of Granada 1485-1492Background Moorish kingdom attacks Castilian town Ferdinand of Aragon & Isabella of Castile
were married and turn war into religious one to expel Moors from Spain and nationalize the country
Granada very mountainous with few roads and well laid castles
Focus was on artillery, infantry and siege operations
Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Gonzolo de Cordoba “El Gran Capitan”Used Economy of Force Used combination of infantry arms (pikes,
firearms, swords) to score many victories
Arquebusier Protection Recognized vulnerability of arquebusier Provided protection while reloading by using pike
man Analogous to current day Marine fire team, always have
a rifleman to protect the machine gunner First time small arms decisive in battle
Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Column and Tercio1505- Column created by King Ferdinand based on Cordoba’s experience Became basic fighting unit Commanded by cabo de colunela or chief of
the column, “colonel”
1534- Tercio developed 3 columns of men armed with arquebuses Tactical unit of 3000 men
Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Spanish SquareColumns eventually developed into “Spanish Square”Made up of 50 or 60 pike men massed at front and 20 deep and Arquebusiers at corners This allowed the arquesbusiers to fire and
fall back behind pike men to reload
Became new basic fighting unitDevelopment of Countermarch
Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Conquest of Granada Cont.Results Used strategy of attrition and blockade of
Moroccan coast Christians successfully repulsed all Moors First introduction of a Corps of Field
Messenger and Medics Is the earliest recorded case of a field hospital
Spanish Soldier became formidable Brought forth need for professional army
The Battles of Pavia and Lepanto
The Battle of Pavia 1525 Small arms decisive. French Calvary attacked
piecemeal and was methodically shot.
The Battle of Lepanto 1571 Last significant battle in age of galley warfare Gunpowder influence, but little else changed from
traditional battle formations, “infantry battle at sea”
Christians vs. Turks Christian Victory with Hand to Hand combat and
gunpowder Began decline of Turkish power
Spanish Armada
Background Netherlands inherited by Spain Dutch Revolt: 1568-1609
Due to religious differences: protestant vs. Catholic Phillip II dedicates himself to suppressing local
liberties and centralizing the power of the crown
1585 Antwerp recaptured by Duke of Parma England forced to intervene on side of rebels
Spanish Armada
Background Cont: Queen Elizabeth-policy of privateering
raids for undeclared war with Phillip II Phillip II decides to destroy Protestant
sea power
Spanish Armada 1588
Spanish Plan Armada to rendezvous
with Parma’s army in vicinity of Dunkirk
Armada itself carried a subsidiary landing force
English Plan Prevent the junction of
the Armada and Parma’s army
Defeat of Spanish Armada
English ships, guns, and gunnery decisively superiorArmada’s only chance was to close and attempt to board, but English thwarted all efforts English used wind and speed to escape
boarding from slower Spanish
Junction prevented and only a squall saved the Armada from complete destruction
Defeat of Spanish ArmadaSpanish Ships ~130 63 lost 15 sank or captured by
English 19 wrecked on Scottish or
Irish coast during retreat 33 unknown
Revolt lasted another 21 yearsHeralded decline of Spanish empire and rise of English mastery of the sea
Reforms of Maurice of Nassau
Smaller force to make unit more flexible Down from depth of 40 to 10 and eventually to 5
(number who could employ arms effectively)
Formations had musketeers on flanks and frontage line of pike manFocus on drill taught by superiorsLong term enlistmentsGood pay, regular professional armyEncouraged development of new weaponry (explosive shells, mapmakers, field glasses)First military academy
16th Century Weaponry
Spanish introduce Musket with range of 300 yards Heavier Complex operation More Accurate Knock down power
Wheel lock Pistol Allowed cavalry to use one hand
16th Century Weaponry
Naval Weapons Ship Smashing Guns
Cannon-heavy iron (50lbs) at medium range
Culverin-light iron (17 lbs) at long range Demi-Cannon 32lbs Demi-Culverin 9lbs
Summary
Spanish exploit new technology and use military genius to become dominating force and create standing armiesNew naval tactics used by English lead to destruction of ArmadaMaurice of Nassau makes innovative changes, many still seen today to create superior forcesUse of new weapons and gun powder on battlefield make small arms important