Weapons and Their Consequences.ppt

Weapons and Their Consequences Volti Chapter 13 Weapons and Their Consequences Some of our technology has led to human destruction rather than human progress Military Technology in the Ancient World Many technological changes were inspired toward martial purposes Metals used to make weapons First weapons - stones, clubs; then bow and arrow Horse and Chariot - effective, but not entirely Horses had to be fed - often hard to do because of limited food Foot Soldier - carried sword and protected by shield Catapults were another weapon Military Technology and the Feudal Order Military technology made few advances in the centuries following the fall of Rome Sixth Century - new technology - the stirrup - not a weapon but made existing weapons more effective Fixed warrior firmly to his horse thus giving him more fighting capacity Feudal system in, by nature, decentralized – the fighting was decentralized as well. Knights fought for individual honor and not necessarily for a formal regime Horse mounted knight was a symbol of nobility - from this, a culture of chivalry emerged. Chivalry - chaval (french - horse) New Weapons and The Decline of Feudalism Knightly combat began to disintegrate when new technology emerged 14th century - the pike (19 feet long, used by Swiss) used to break up knight assaults Swiss Pikemen became the most feared soldiers in Europe Longbow (used by Welsh) used to attack knights from afar. Could drive an arrow through several inches of oak Crossbow also used to challenge knight (crank and ratchet assembly to draw arrow) - cumbersome to reload Knight had to use heavier armor to withstand attack - this led to decrease mobility Castles - was a fortress of security Trebuchet - weapon. A long arm unequally balanced on a fulcrum. One end held projectile, the other was weighted down. When catch was released, projectile flew. The Gunpowder Revolution The use of gunpowder sealed the fate of feudal weaponry Fire was also used as a weapon. Perhaps it was t