Combat and warfare have been intertwined with humanity since ancient times and one of the main instruments of power. In the modern era, the depravity of a state deploying its full military might against another can be hard to comprehend. It evokes images of nuclear holocausts and mass genocide. Tales of epochal battles and wars of attrition are among the most iconic events in the history books. Warfare has come a long way since its origins, with many different types of combat having developed over time. In this article, we shall explore the ways in which these different forms of warfare have evolved through the ages.
Prehistory and Primitive Warfare
The emergence of warfare in prehistory is a hotly-debated subject. It is believed that battles raged between early species as they competed with one another in an evolutionary ‘arms race’. Hunter-gatherer societies were known to wage war against one another and evidence states that they had some success, even leading to the complete annihilation of the defeated. Such conflicts, however, were largely limited to small skirmishes rather than large-scale engagements.
The Ancient Age
Ancient warfare saw a marked rise in the number of combat operations, as well as the emergence of more organized warfare practices. In the civilized world, warfare was often a feature of dynastic struggles, with kings fighting for land, power, and loyalty. Major battles, such as the battle of Kadesh and the battle of Thermopylae, became iconic and served as inspiration for future military practices. Ancient armies incorporated new technologies and tactics into their arsenals and developed the concept of siege warfare to great effect.
The Medieval Age
The medieval era saw an evolution of warfare from the previous age. Nation states and empires emerged intent upon dominating the territory of their rivals, engaging in long campaigns which culminated in large-scale battles and sieges. The Medieval era saw the emergence of ‘gunpowder warfare’ – the use of muskets and cannons – that enabled states to launch devastating attacks on their rivals. These campaigns also saw the use of cavalry, siege equipment, and other new technologies in battle.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance period saw the transition to an age of gunpowder warfare. Armies deployed multiple varieties of muskets and cannons with devastating effect, transforming the scale and nature of warfare itself. Furthermore, the emergence of standing armies and the profession of soldiery meant that warfare became a strategic operation rather than a chaotic mosh pit of violence as it had been seen in previous ages.
The Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment saw the advent of modern warfare. Arising out of the Age of Reason, this form of combat incorporated theoretical concepts and tactical training. Emphasis was placed on the creativity and innovation of individual units, as well as the discipline necessary for manoeuvring large and complex forces. The Age of Enlightenment also saw the emergence of greater political power, enabling rulers to more effectively mobilize their forces and shape the geopolitics of the time.
The Industrial Age
The Industrial Age saw an even greater evolution in warfare, as industrial technologies enabled the mass production of weapons, ammunition, and other equipment. This allowed wars to be fought on an unprecedented scale, with large-scale battles becoming commonplace. Furthermore, governments were able to mobilize ever-greater forces to participate in campaigns, making it possible for them to dominate their rivals in the new industrial world.
The 20th Century and Beyond
The 20th century witnessed the most devastating conflicts in human history, with two world wars wreaking havoc throughout the world. In this age, total warfare emerged – the belief that a nation’s entire capabilities must be focused on achieving victory for that nation. This enabled governments to use a variety of new tactics, including aerial and chemical warfare, that had not been seen before.
Types of Warfare
The different types of warfare encompass more than just the traditional melee combat of antiquity. Here are some key types of warfare that have been employed over the course of human history:
● Melee: The oldest form of combat, involving close hand-to-hand combat between armies.
● Mobile Warfare: Engagements involving a mixture of infantry, cavalry and artillery, often taking part in short skirmishes in the field.
● Siege Warfare: In this form of warfare, one or two larger armies or armies of equal size may attempt to encircle and capture a fortified settlement.
● Total Warfare: Wars which involve a total mobilization of all available resources, including industry and scientific development, to achieve victory.
● Guerrilla Warfare: In this type of warfare, small groups of soldiers use hit-and-run tactics and guerrilla tactics to harass a larger army.
● Aerospace/Space Warfare: Conflicts which are fought in the air, as well as in outer space.
● Cyber Warfare: Conflicts that use cyberspace as a battlefield to obtain strategic or economic advantages.
The history of warfare is one of constant flux, with each new age and period bringing its own set of tactics and technologies that can be employed in combat. Despite its often horrific nature, warfare has served as the crucible out of which modern military doctrine has emerged. As technology progresses, new forms of warfare are likely to continue to emerge, enabling governments to pursue their own agendas with ever-greater efficiency.
