The Anvil Of WarMedieval War & Social Change

“The origins of Europe

were hammered out on the

anvil of war.”

Changes In Warfare And Military Technology Lead To

Changes In Society

From 5th-10th Centuries, Almost Constant Violent

Invasions

“Peace” Barely Exists

How Can Europe Protect Itself?

Feudalism Is The Answer

High Tech Military

Hardware: The

Stirrup

Knights Have Absolute Advantage Over Men

On Foot

Only The Knights Matter

How Pay For These

Expensive Specialists?

Feudalism Is The Answer (Again)

Violent Mounted Nobles Dominate Europe For

Centuries

Change!14th Century

Infantry Revolution

Infantry Can Now Kill Cavalry

Shift From Mounted Dominance Stimulates

ChangeSocial

Armies not dominated by nobles anymore

PoliticalArmies larger, war deadlier

EconomicWar more expensiveKings need more money

More Change: The

Artillery Revolution of 15th Century

Castles Are No Longer

So Tough

But Artillery Is Expensive

Only Kings Can Afford Lots Of Artillery