ePub Dying for Faith: Religiously Motivated Violence in the Contemporary World (Library of Modern Religion) by From Brand: I. B. Tauris in History

Description

This history of the Catholic armies of the Hapsburg Empire that fought in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) explores the role of infantry and artillery during the last major religious war in mainland Europe. As the states of the Holy Roman Empire fractured along religious lines; all of Europe was plunged into a bloody conflict that lasted three decades; decimated populations; and annihilated communities. However; amidst this social; political; and religious catastrophe; important changes were experienced within the organization of armed forces. The war saw the end of the large mercenary forces and the beginnings of the well-disciplined national army. This book charts this progression; illustrating and explaining the forces of the key Catholic armies; while exploring the weapons; organization; tactics; and colorful uniforms used by the infantry and artillery.