Mercenaries

Definition

Mercenaries are soldiers who are hired to serve in a foreign army or conflict, primarily for financial gain rather than loyalty to a nation or cause. Their use became more prominent during times of military innovations and changing tactics, as they provided flexible and immediate manpower to rulers and warlords, often impacting the outcomes of battles and campaigns significantly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mercenaries were often employed by city-states and kingdoms during the Middle Ages to augment their armies, especially when local populations could not meet military demands.
2. The reliance on mercenaries sometimes led to issues of loyalty, as these soldiers were primarily motivated by pay rather than allegiance to a specific ruler or cause.
3. Innovations in weaponry and tactics, such as gunpowder and fortifications, changed the way mercenaries were utilized, necessitating new training methods and combat strategies.
4. Famous groups of mercenaries like the Swiss pikemen gained notoriety for their discipline and effectiveness on the battlefield, leading to high demand across Europe.
5. The practice of hiring mercenaries declined with the rise of professional armies in the 17th century as states began to prefer standing forces that were more loyal and reliable.

Review Questions

• How did the use of mercenaries reflect the changing military tactics during the Middle Ages?
  • The increasing reliance on mercenaries during the Middle Ages highlighted a shift towards more flexible military tactics. As warfare evolved with new innovations like gunpowder and different formations, armies needed skilled fighters who could adapt quickly. Mercenaries provided this flexibility, allowing rulers to assemble forces rapidly without relying solely on feudal levies or local populations.
• Evaluate the implications of employing mercenaries for political leaders during the Middle Ages.
  • Employing mercenaries offered political leaders advantages such as immediate access to trained soldiers and increased military capacity. However, it also posed risks, including potential lack of loyalty and the possibility that mercenary forces could act independently or even turn against their employers. This created a complex relationship between rulers and hired soldiers, impacting trust and governance.
• Synthesize how the decline of mercenary forces influenced the formation of modern nation-states in Europe.
  • The decline of mercenary forces coincided with the rise of centralized power and professional armies that were directly loyal to state authority. As European nations developed stronger bureaucracies and standing armies, this shift facilitated more consistent military practices aligned with national interests. Consequently, it contributed to the formation of modern nation-states by establishing a sense of national identity and unity among troops who fought for their country rather than for pay.

Related terms

Condottieri: Italian mercenary leaders who commanded bands of mercenaries during the late Middle Ages, playing a crucial role in the military landscape of Italy.

Feudal System: A social and economic structure prevalent in the Middle Ages where land was held in exchange for military service, which often included the use of knights and mercenaries.

Professional Army: A standing military force composed of full-time soldiers who are trained and paid, contrasting with the use of mercenaries for temporary or specific campaigns.