Before the Military Revolution: European Warfare and the Rise of the Early Modern State 1300-1490

The model of a military revolution, the idea that military developments influenced the statebuilding process in Europe, is adapted to a couple of periods in early modern Europe. This book examines European Warfare in the late Middle Ages from 1300 to 1490. It doesn't restrict itself solely to well covered conflicts, like the Anglo-Scottish Wars or the Hundred Years War, but gives due weight to all regions of Europe, including the Empire, the Baltic, Balkans and Mediterranean and also considers developments in Naval Warfare. The Hussite Wars or the Wars of the Teutonic Order and the Hanseatic League are covered, as is the expansion of Moscow, the Ottomans of Venice and the analysis of battles like Aussig (1426), Copenhagen (1428), Chojnice (1454) will not will not be overshadowed by that of Bannockburn and Agincourt. This period witnessed fundamental change. The feudal system of the High Middle Ages crumbled everywhere in Europe due to climatic change, economic crisis and population decline. This triggered a fiscalisation of the military organisation, the establishment of taxes and representation of the estates. This book argues that these changes are the most fundamental ones in the military and political organisation in Europe until the rise of the constitutional state around 1800 and so comes closer to the original concept of a military revolution. It also takes a critical look at other often discussed developments of this age, like the infantry and artillery revolution or the decline of cavalry. The combination of a chronological and regional narrative with deeper analysis of themes like chivalry, strategy, economic warfare or military publications makes this book an indispensable read for anyone interested in late medieval history. AUTHOR: Dr. Alexander Querengässer studied medieval and early modern history at the University of Leipzig and later did his PhD on the Saxon Army in the Great Northern War at Potsdam University. He now works as a freelancer and collaborator at Martin Luther University at Halle. He has published nearly 20 books, covering the history of Saxony, late medieval and early modern military history.

Table of Contents:
Introduction 1. Medieval Warfare 1000-1300 2. War in Europe 1300-1400 3. War in Europe 1400-1450 4. War in Europe 1450-1490 5. Naval Warfare 6. Guns and Pikesquares: revolutions of medieval warfare? 7. A Revolution of Knowledge 8. From the feudal levy system to mercenary armies: A Social-Military Revolution 9. Military change and the development of the early modern state Conclusions

About the Author :
Dr. Alexander Querengässer studied medieval and early modern history at the University of Leipzig and later did his PhD on the Saxon Army in the Great Northern War at Potsdam University. He now works as a freelancer and collaborator at Martin Luther University at Halle. He has published nearly 20 books, covering the history of Saxony, late medieval and early modern military history.

Review :
"[This book] falls broadly into the vast historiography of a military revolution in early modern Europe but not as a proponent of that theory. Rather, Querengässer aligns with those who (properly) question the existence of a military revolution, especially one conceived of as technologically driven. Recommended... General readers and undergraduates."--S. Morillo, Wabash College "CHOICE, August 2022 Vol. 59 No. 12"