Spanish Square to the Spanish Armada

MOI

Readings

Jones, The Art of War in the Western World, pp.192-213Handout

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

Questions?