How much change was there in training and recruiting soldiers between 1500 and 1700?

Learning objective – to be able to identify changes and continuities in Early Modern English recruitment and training. I can describe the key changes and continuities in Early Modern English recruitment and training. Grade 3 I can explain the key changes and continuities in Early Modern English recruitment and training. Grade 6 I can explain and assess changes and continuities in Early Modern English recruitment and training. Grade 9

How far did recruitment stay the same between 1500 and 1645? The Tudors did not want recruitment in the hands of the nobility as it gave them too much power. Instead, the stuck to the Statute of Winchester of 1285 which outlined the militia system moving away from an indentured system. This continued to recruit informally trained, not professional soldiers under the eye of the Commissioners of Array. The key features of this system were – All men between 16 and 60 were expected to serve and provide their own weapons. This expectation was called impressment. General musters were held every couple of years for inspection and training. Absentees were fined and many refused to serve outside their county. Lord Lieutenants were appointed to oversee the county militia.

How far did recruitment stay the same between 1500 and 1645? By 1573, it was recognised that not enough professional soldiers were being produced. The first step in improving the quality of the army was the creation of the Trained Bands which had to meet once a month to train. From the 1580s, this training was led by Muster Masters, who were professionally trained soldiers. However, by the 1590s gentlemen resented taking instruction from the Muster Masters and managed to force local government to drop them in favour of local gentlemen. This led to a deterioration of the quality of military training.

Why was the English Civil War a catalyst for change in training and recruitment? The English Civil War was fought between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians between 1642 and 1649. Both sides competed to enlist men and find efficient ways to train and recruit. This accelerated change. Up to 1645, both sides used traditional methods of militias, Commissioners of Array and impressment as well as propaganda to recruit men. This had the impact of recruiting large numbers but they were poorly trained and desertion rates were high.

What was the New Model Army? In 1645, Parliament, recognising change was needed, reorganised its army into the New Model Army. It was a national volunteer army with regular pay. The key features of the New Model Army were - Removed incompetent leaders and replaced with men of merit and military success rather than social position. Drill training [repeated set manoeuvres] were given greater emphasis. Discipline was strictly enforced. Merged local bands together into a national army. Funded by national rather than local taxes. Standard uniform was given to all soldiers. It intended to be a permanent, standing army.

What was the composition of the New Model Army? Cavalry – 6,600 cavalry which were very disciplined and trained. Focused on charging the enemy but staying on the battlefield until victory was ensured. They were well paid. Dragoons – Around 1,000 were recruited from existing forces. Infantry – With 14,400 men – they made up the bulk of the army. Half were recruited and the other half were pressed. Poorly paid with high desertion rates.

Why did a standing army continue to exist after 1660? The New Model Army was key to Parliament’s victory in 1649 and continued throughout the Interregnum. Charles II disbanded the New Model Army when the monarchy was restored in 1660. But a standing army continued in some form for the following reasons – All the major countries in Europe had a standing army for around 100 years already. Increased taxation allowed for a standing army to be funded. Although it was small because high taxes and a peacetime army made the population angry and suspicious. A standing army made the ruler much more secure.

How did individuals influence the change in recruitment? Oliver Cromwell emerged during the English Civil War as an important military leader. A cavalry leader, he campaigned for the importance of drill training and strict discipline. He campaigned for skill and competence was more important than social standing in leading a Parliamentarian army. He was a key figure in drawing up the Self-Denying Ordinance and the New Model Army Act.

How did weapons help change training under the New Model Army? Formations – New weapons, such as the musket, required discipline and training as hundreds of men with required to act as one in new formations. Drill – The new formations, such as the square, which required pikemen and musketeers to fight together, needed strict and repeated drill in order that men knew what they were doing. Professional – A well-drilled and disciplined force was easier to achieve if men were paid and professionally trained as a standing army.

Complete the table for recruitment between 1500 and 1645. Continuity Change To help you fill in this table, use the following words – Statute of Westminster Muster Masters Militia and Trained Bands Impressment Commissioners of Array

Complete this mind map on the New Model Army Key features Composition Influence of government and individuals Weapons

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.