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Spanish Square to the Spanish Armada
MOI
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Readings Jones, The Art of War in the Western World, pp.192-213
Handout
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Learning Objectives The student will know and understand:
Spanish tactical evolution on land emphasizing Cordoba The Battle of Pavia The Battle of Lepanto The defeat of the Spanish Armada Developments in weaponry during the mid-16th century
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Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Conquest of Granada Background 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
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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
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Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Column and Tercio 1505- 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
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Spanish Tactical Evolutions
Spanish Square Columns 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 unit Development of Countermarch
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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
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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
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Spanish Armada Background Netherlands inherited by Spain
Dutch Revolt: 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
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Spanish Armada Background Cont:
Queen Elizabeth-policy of privateering raids for undeclared war with Phillip II Phillip II decides to destroy Protestant sea power
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Spanish Armada 1588 Spanish Plan English 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
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Defeat of Spanish Armada
English ships, guns, and gunnery decisively superior Armada’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
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Defeat of Spanish Armada
Spanish 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 years Heralded decline of Spanish empire and rise of English mastery of the sea
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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 man Focus on drill taught by superiors Long term enlistments Good pay, regular professional army Encouraged development of new weaponry (explosive shells, mapmakers, field glasses) First military academy In regards to decrease in forces: We have done the same thing in the Marine Corps with the increases and decreases in the Fire team numbers to current level as that was sees to be the most effective.
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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
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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
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Summary Spanish exploit new technology and use military genius to become dominating force and create standing armies New naval tactics used by English lead to destruction of Armada Maurice of Nassau makes innovative changes, many still seen today to create superior forces Use of new weapons and gun powder on battlefield make small arms important
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Questions?
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