History of Military and Weapons Systems Through the Ages

Introduction: Military Power and State Security

Military and weapons systems are critical components employed by states in ensuring two fundamental objectives: internal security and the deterrence of other states from engaging them in armed conflict. An advanced and sophisticated military and weapons system translates into a more secure state and, more importantly, creates conditions under which hostile actions from other states are effectively deterred. Throughout history, states have consistently improved their military capabilities, making active strides toward developing weapons capable of inflicting substantial casualties and collateral damage through the effective use of technology. Weapons that could instill fear in the enemy were likewise pursued.

Weapons and military systems have always been predicated on the use of force; greater force corresponds to greater chances that a state's interests are upheld. This is the decisive factor in any form of conflict resolution — states with advanced military and weapons systems are seen as dominant players that set the rules of the game in the international arena.

The Roman Army and Ancient Warfare

The Romans stand as a compelling example of how dominant a state can become through possession of an advanced military and weapons system. The Roman Army was divided into units known as legions, each comprising between 4,500 and 6,000 men. Each legion was further divided into smaller groups of 60 to 120 soldiers, called legionnaires. Because these smaller groups could separate and attack an enemy from the sides and rear as well as the front, the Roman Army possessed considerable maneuverability on the battlefield.

The weapons developed during this era included the double-edged sword used by the infantry, the iron-headed ram used for breaking down gates and walls, and offensive weapons such as catapults — which functioned by throwing iron darts — and ballistae, used to hurl heavy stones at the enemy (Stearns et al. 1991, 217). With the strength of the Roman Army, Rome was able to expand its sphere of influence throughout Europe and into Africa. Roman soldiers were professionally trained in the art of warfare, and their military leaders were honed by battlefield experience and defined by tactical prowess. These characteristics gave the Roman Empire a distinct and lasting advantage over its enemies.

Naval Power and the Age of Exploration

With the collapse of the Roman Empire, the world witnessed a shift in military focus from land armies to naval forces. During the 1400s, the emergence of Portugal, Spain, and England as military powers was grounded in their superior naval strength. Their ships were heavily armed and capable of transporting infantry to distant lands; as a result, their expansionist ambitions were well served by their navies. The Spanish Armada was feared by other states for its armaments and was extensively used to project Spanish influence to other parts of the world.

During this period, the introduction of gunpowder and firearms replaced the swords of the infantry, and the cannon was similarly deployed on the battlefield. These weapons made armies far more efficient at inflicting casualties on their enemies. The advent of such weapons also demonstrated the growing application of technology in the art of warfare — states that possessed them were able to gain the upper hand. Countries such as Spain and England were able to colonize vast territories abroad, backed by their advanced military and weapons systems.

References

Stearns, Peter, Donald Schwartz, and Barry Beyer. World History: Traditions and New Directions. New York: Addison Wesley, 1991.

Creveld, Martin. The Transformation of War. New York: The Free Press, 1991.

Goodwin, Peter. Nuclear War: The Facts on Survival. London: Ash and Grant, 1994.