Standing Army

Definition

A standing army is a permanent, professional military force that is maintained during peacetime and wartime, distinct from temporary or conscripted forces. This concept became increasingly significant during the era of new monarchies from 1450 to 1648, as rulers sought to consolidate power and exert control over their territories. By establishing a standing army, monarchs could ensure loyalty, reduce dependence on feudal lords for military support, and effectively respond to both internal and external threats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Standing armies emerged as a response to the weaknesses of feudal systems, where lords relied on vassals for military service.
2. The establishment of standing armies allowed monarchs to centralize authority, making them less reliant on local nobility for military power.
3. Rulers like Louis XIV of France exemplified the use of standing armies to pursue ambitious foreign policies and expand territorial control.
4. Standing armies contributed to the rise of national identities, as they fostered loyalty among soldiers toward the state rather than individual lords or regions.
5. The use of standing armies also led to increased military funding and advancements in military technology during this period.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of standing armies change the relationship between monarchs and their subjects during the period of new monarchies?
  • The establishment of standing armies fundamentally changed the relationship between monarchs and their subjects by allowing rulers to exert greater control over their realms. Unlike feudal systems that relied on local lords for military support, standing armies made it possible for monarchs to maintain direct authority over trained soldiers who were loyal to the crown. This shift not only strengthened centralized power but also diminished the influence of feudal lords, ultimately transforming governance and political dynamics within emerging nation-states.
• Evaluate the impact of standing armies on the political landscape in Europe between 1450 and 1648.
  • Standing armies had a profound impact on the political landscape in Europe during this period by promoting centralization and reducing feudal power. Monarchs could now project military strength beyond their borders, engage in more ambitious foreign policies, and protect their interests without relying on feudal loyalties. The rise of professional militaries led to conflicts being fought on different scales, resulting in new alliances and rivalries that would shape European politics well into the future.
• Analyze how standing armies influenced national identity and state-building processes from 1450 to 1648.
  • Standing armies played a crucial role in shaping national identity and state-building processes during this era by fostering a sense of belonging among soldiers who served under a unified banner. As these professional soldiers developed loyalty to their nation-state rather than individual lords or regions, it helped create a collective identity tied to the country itself. This shift not only facilitated the consolidation of power within emerging monarchies but also laid the groundwork for modern nation-states as people began to identify more with their nation than with local or regional allegiances.

Related terms

Mercenaries: Soldiers hired to serve in a foreign army, often motivated by financial gain rather than loyalty to a particular state.

Feudal System: A social and political system in medieval Europe where land was held in exchange for military service, leading to decentralized power.

Professionalization: The process of developing a specialized and skilled military force through training, organization, and the establishment of standards.