Flint gun with battery lock
Title
Flint gun with battery lock
Description
The development of Pistols, such as the one shown above. Was a significant technological change over the course of the Early Modern Period. Pistols were a sign of political prestige’s, which was how nobles distinguished themselves on the battlefield. It was also a used as a way for the nobility to “both use gunpowder and yet stay above the infantry - figuratively and in actual combat” (Wiesner Hanks 93). Political and military tacticians such as Machiavelli wrote about military strategies before the development of these arms, which would play a significant role in developing new military strategy. This advancement of firearms led to “troops on foot became the heart of early modern armies” (Wiesner Hanks 92). Because of this heavy reliance on infantry soldiers and the advancement of deadlier weapons, wars resulted in heavy casualties and lasted for longer periods of time, which expended more resources. It is because of the advancement of military weapons, that battle deaths began to exceed previous numbers and even reach 1,251,000 deaths in the War of Spanish Succession (Lynn). The advancement of technology during the Scientific Revolution, such a pistoles was a vital part of the early modern period and influenced the desire of technological development.
Firearms created a unique political environment, where commanders had to reinvent new tactics, because previous military would not be as effective against Musketeers. In addition to diminished role of cavalry, there was an increase of combat mortality among political leaders, due to the increased effectiveness of the weaponry. This instilled fear in the nobility, which caused many leaders to be reluctant to enter a battle and instead played a more supportive tatican role. Because of their lesser role, “monarchs also hired professional military contractors”, which they employed instead of their citizens (Wiesner Hanks 95). With the development of military technology, political leaders played a diminishing role in engagements of combat.
Firearms created a unique political environment, where commanders had to reinvent new tactics, because previous military would not be as effective against Musketeers. In addition to diminished role of cavalry, there was an increase of combat mortality among political leaders, due to the increased effectiveness of the weaponry. This instilled fear in the nobility, which caused many leaders to be reluctant to enter a battle and instead played a more supportive tatican role. Because of their lesser role, “monarchs also hired professional military contractors”, which they employed instead of their citizens (Wiesner Hanks 95). With the development of military technology, political leaders played a diminishing role in engagements of combat.
Source
Rijksmuseum. Flint Gun with Battery Lock. 16550. Flint gun with battery lock, Netherlands.
Date
1650
Rights
Public Domain
Citation
“Flint gun with battery lock,” HIST 139 - Early Modern Europe, accessed July 21, 2025, https://earlymoderneurope.hist.sites.carleton.edu/items/show/123.