The Military Revolution

The Military Revolution refers to a period of rapid and significant change in warfare from the late Middle Ages to the early modern era (roughly 15th to 17th centuries). During this time, improvements in technology, tactics, and organization—such as the development of professional armies, the use of firearms, and new fortification methods—transformed how wars were fought. These changes led to more centralized state control, altered political power dynamics, and laid the groundwork for modern warfare. Essentially, it was a fundamental shift that reshaped military strategies and influenced broader societal and political developments.