Survey 3: Thirty Years of Beef

The Thirty Years’ War was primarily fought in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648. It was a brutal period in history, deadlier than the Black Death and World War II, in terms of the proportion of the population lost. However, I won’t be rambling on about the boring historical facts and dates during this war. No need to thank me. Instead, let’s talk about how the armies dressed and the weapons and strategies they used. Uniforms were rare in at least the Swedish army, although there may have been a few exceptions for officers and some elite troops. Soldiers were however supposed to make or buy their own clothes usually brought from home. Although some things such as hats, feathers, socks and armour were granted by the army to all soldiers. The feather was worn on the hats of Swedish soldiers to make them recognizable to their own. Color was too expensive even for a small part of cloth for every soldier. Undyed cloth was probably often used and brown, grey, off-white coats and breeches would be commonly seen. If they had the materials at hand, the men would try and brighten their array by adding coloured ribbons.

Officers might have had more extravagant and colourful clothes though. Blue and red were most used for them. Soldiers used many kinds of weapons primarily pikes in formations called Tercios.

The arquebus was the main firearm during the 16th century and was used in the 17th century and they were so heavy, a support stand was needed. Crossbows from the earlier period were still in use from the beginning of the war, as well as daggers and buckler and rapiers.

The most recent innovation was the matchlock musket. There were few rifles in use until the mid-18th century primarily because they were slow to load. Swords were still used throughout. Some were curved while others were thin and straight. Some German troops used two-handed great swords.

Battle tactics and strategies also helped many countries win in the war. The most common tactic used was the caracole – a combined cavalry charge assisted by firearms. Eventually, this was replaced by a full-scale cavalry charge. Such tactics needed well trained and disciplined troops.

The developments of war strategies throughout the Thirty Years’ War influenced the style of warfare in future wars. Although fashion didn’t play a huge role in earning victory during the war, it is still interesting (I hope) to look at the clothing and armour they were provided to fight in this huge battle.