European Religious Conflicts and Military Developments

The second page examines religious conflicts across Europe and their military implications, particularly in France, Italy, and England.

Highlight: The Italian Wars (1494-1559) led to significant military innovations, including developments in artillery and firearms.

Quote: "The Italian wars contributed to changes in tactics, development of artillery, firearms, and pikemen. The importance of condottieri - mercenary commanders - increased."

The page includes detailed information about:

• French Religious Wars between Catholics and Huguenots
• The Anglo-Spanish conflict and the defeat of the Spanish Armada
• Italian Wars' impact on military technology and tactics

Definition: Condottieri were professional military commanders who led mercenary units during the Italian Wars.

The page concludes with a comprehensive map showing religious divisions and key locations of reformist activities across Europe.

Early Elective Monarchy Military Organization

The first page details the military organization during Poland's early elective monarchy period. The military structure consisted of several key formations including the Pospolite ruszenie sposób organizacji and specialized units.

Definition: An elective monarch was a ruler chosen by nobility during the general sejm, with Henry of Valois being Poland's first elected king.

Highlight: The military system included four main components:

• Mass levy (Pospolite ruszenie)
• Land Service for Lithuanian Tatars
• Permanent Defense forces
• Quarter Army

Vocabulary: Wojsko zaciężne referred to professional mercenary troops, distinct from the noble levy.

The page also introduces the Selected Infantry created by Stephen Báthory, which received pay and tax exemptions. Additionally, it describes the Cossacks, who were free people of various origins living in the Wild Fields, organized into 500-soldier regiments.

Example: Cossack military equipment included firearms, sabers, and pole-axes, demonstrating their versatile combat capabilities.