Technological Advancements and Their Effects on Warfare Tactics during the Industrial Revolution in the United States
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ejhr.2330Keywords:
Technological Advancements, Warfare Tactics, Industrial RevolutionAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the technological advancements and their effects on warfare tactics during the industrial revolution in the United States.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The era saw the development and widespread use of more efficient and deadly weapons, such as rifled muskets, which had greater accuracy and range compared to smoothbore firearms. The invention of the machine gun allowed for rapid, continuous fire, drastically increasing battlefield casualties and necessitating new defensive tactics, like trench warfare. Artillery also evolved, with the introduction of breech-loading cannons and explosive shells, which enhanced destructive power and required new forms of fortification and mobility. Moreover, the Industrial Revolution spurred advancements in transportation and communication. Railroads enabled the swift movement of troops and supplies, reshaping logistical strategies and allowing for rapid mobilization and reinforcement of forces. The telegraph revolutionized military communication, providing real-time coordination and strategic planning capabilities across vast distances. These technological innovations collectively led to a shift from traditional, line-based combat to more dispersed and dynamic forms of warfare, emphasizing speed, mobility, and the integration of diverse technological systems.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technological determinism, social construction of technology and military revolution theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the technological advancements and their effects on warfare tactics during the industrial revolution in the United States. Military institutions should design extensive training programs that focus on the integration of new technologies. Governments should prioritize and increase funding for research and development in military technologies
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