How weaponry effected warfare 1845-1859 How weaponry effected warfare

American – Mexico War.

The US Rifled musket, Maynard Primer. Weapons such as the US rifled musket, invented by Dr. Edward maynard. This was used by the Americans around the Mexican American war in the 1840s The US Rifled musket was a 69 calibre weapon, invented by Dr Edward maynard. It had waterproof tape which kept the rifle ‘waterproof’ this gave them an advantage as even in wet conditions the Americans can still fire gunpowder, compared to the Mexicans they did not have this and sometimes the rifles may of failed because of wet conditions. However this was not extremely popular choice.

Hall flintlock rifle 1811; The half flintlock rifle was used in the Mexico American war, they were desirable among other rifles however not as popular with troops. It was one of the first rifles which incorporated interchangeable parts, which allowed them to replace worn out parts and keep them in good condition during warfare.

69 calibre flintlock musket – standard issue It was the standard issue for the US Soldier, it had an effect of over 100 yards, however compared to the Mexicans, they had a good advantage over Mexico, the rifles used were only under 100 yards effective. The US could fire and fight from a further range considerably compared to the Mexicans.

Cannons The US could fire cannon ball with effect of 300 yards, compared to the Mexicans weaponry, it was older, unreliable too, which gave US a distinct advantage. Cannon were made from bronze and iron. Mexico’s cannons fired 5 times slower than the US. And were very heavy due to them being old and heavy which meant they could not be moved to the battlefield very quickly. The US Had lighter cannons , mortars &projectile weaponry meaning they could be moved throughout the battlefield to wherever they are needed giving them a distinct advantage.

Both US and Mexico used Gunpowder Gunpowder was used in the 1800s used to power guns, mortars and cannons, however they both gave both teams somewhat of a disadvantage, the more they fired, the more smoke which would build up. Meaning that neither side could see each other due to it at some times. This however could work as an advantage as teams may regroup or make tactical decisions.

The Mexicans. typical weapons; Flintlock muskets Pistols Sabres Shorter swords Cavalry & cavalrymen were equipped with lances.

They were older And more unreliable As said before they were older therefore more unreliable and also heavier. This was a very big weakness which the Americans could exploit. Allowing them to make very easy and effective decisions on the battlefield

Sabre’s and short sword’s The Mexicans used both Sabre’s and short swords against the Americans which would have a range of about 0. whereas the Americans would have pistols (colt) equipped as a side arm with a range of 10-15 yards. This was an extreme weakness of Mexico and an advantage for the US. The Mexicans would be forced closer to US soldiers due to short range rifles and having swords equipped whereas America’s longer range weapons would be used more efficiently

Crimea war 1854—1856 Developed by the GB, and France – the allied forces had much greater range and power, a demonstration of this was the siege of Sevastopol, their defences were destroyed in 3 days by the French artillery in 1856.

1849 – Minie was developed This was a new conical bullet with a hollow base which expanded to grip the rifling twists. This allowed faster reloading and a faster fire against enemy attackers giving allied forces a good advantage over the enemy.

The Pattern minie & percussion1849 ( 1850s) This was used widespread with French troops during the Crimean campaign, similarly the British army introduced the percussion rifle smoothbore musket in 1842, some were re barrelled with rifling & the heavy pattern 1851 Minie Rifle was also issued.

Enfield pattern model 1853 Made in 1853, issued to most British troops, this meant these technologically advanced rifles compared to attacks were better, faster at reloading, better fire rate, and better accuracy and range. Which gave them a distinct advantage over enemy attackers.

Russia was less well armed. Flintlock muskets which were used in the America – Mexican war were still being used in Russia during the Crimea war, some new models were still used however compared to allied forces this was very small. The Russians were left at a tactical disadvantage by the extended range of the allied military, they moved in from ranges where Russia could not be able to fight back due to their very old weapons. However, the majority of Russians were not trained properly how to use muskets which could be very difficult to use.

From 1845-1959 summary Technological advances of weaponry had advanced to some degree to 1859, however these technological advances were used to a good advantage for those who made them, it more or less won them the battle. Although their tactics did play an important role, they exploited the advantages of their weaponry to their advantage , ambushes from a further range, faster reload time, faster fire rate and improved accuracy allowed multiple injuries to occur. Especially after the invention of the mini bullet and pattern mini, injuries which occurred from the 950ft/sec were substantial, surgeons had no experience in those with deep wounds, and unable to save their life's. It changed the way wars were fought, it allows them to exploit the enemies disadvantages and exploit their on advantages. Winning them the battle.

Weaponry: the rifle musket and the minie ball By Alan W. Howey. ‘’ What made the smoothbore flintlock musket so dominant an infantry weapon for so long was that it was easy to load; an experienced soldier could load and fire up to four times a minute’’ This view is somewhat agreeable, however the minie ball proved to be better when used with the percussion rifle, but still, the statement that 4 times a minute fire rate compared to inexperienced soldiers and worse soldiers meant that this weapon allowed to dominate the battlefield. As said in this statement by Alan W. Howey

Evaluating evidence Historicalfirearms.info This is very good information which is detailed specifically for weaponry for the Crimean war, it covers both Allied side and the Russian side. However there are claims that the Russians had improved their rifles and updated them, but there is no information on how many people had been trained, how many soldiers had this ‘’newer’’ technology too. It also covers other aspect for instance tactics, it shows how this new weaponry can be used tactically, and how it can exploit the opponents weakness’s by this, thus giving us a good idea of how weaponry changed the ways in which war was fought.