The most important concept in warfare in early-modern Europe and the construction of fortifications is the Military Revolution of 1560-1660. This revolution is among others characterised by a...Show moreThe most important concept in warfare in early-modern Europe and the construction of fortifications is the Military Revolution of 1560-1660. This revolution is among others characterised by a change in military tactics, strategy and size of early-modern armies and the qualitative and quantitative improvements on the field of weaponry, together with the development of the trace Italienne (bastioned fortification system). This eventually led to a great change of fortification systems and the important change from battles between large standing armies to sieges. The constant evaluation and innovation on the field of military fortifications eventually led to the formation of multiple fortification systems as the Italian Fortification Systems, Old Dutch Fortification System, Improved Dutch Fortification System, French Fortification System and New Dutch Fortification System. When the theory is to be followed, the constructed field sconces would have been constructed according to the most modern fortification system of their time, and show signs of improvement and innovation during the years the fortifications would have been in use. The former is stressed and researched by studying the Bordeelschans (1604), the Zwartendijksterschans (1593-1672) and schans Altena (1597, 1605 and 1627). Eventually there is tried to research to what extent the effects of the Military Revolution, with the various constructive innovations on the field of field sconces and fortification systems, are noticeable in historical and archaeological datasets and implemented in the construction of (field) sconces in the Dutch Republic during the period of 1583-1695. This thesis also adress the importance and the need of an interdisciplinary approachShow less
The theory of the Military Revolution sees military innovation in Europe in the early modern period. Some historians such as Geoffry Parker have argued that due to these kind of innovations, Europe...Show moreThe theory of the Military Revolution sees military innovation in Europe in the early modern period. Some historians such as Geoffry Parker have argued that due to these kind of innovations, Europe could rule over other continents. A comparison is made in this thesis between the conquest of New Mexico and New Granada and military innovation of the sixteenth century. To further research the matter, a battleground in the northern parts of the Low Countries during the Dutch Revolt is also taken into consideration.Show less
