Top Influential Wars in Western Military History
Throughout the course of history, there have been numerous wars that have shaped the world in which we live in today. Some wars have created empires, some have shifted the way in which we think about wars, and some have completely changed the course of world events. The wars that have come down to us in Western Military History are those that have had a large and lasting effect on the world, and have been seen as some of the most influential wars in the entire Western Military History.
The Punic Wars
The Punic Wars, which lasted from 264 BC to 146 BC, were three wars fought between Rome and Carthage for control of the Mediterranean. This conflict would shape the way the Romans thought of warfare and would also set the stage for later wars between Rome and other powers, such as the Gauls, the Greeks, and the Persians. The Punic Wars would eventually lead to the Roman Empire, which would dominate the Mediterranean until the bust of the Western Roman Empire in the late 4th century.
The Battle of Marathon
The Battle of Marathon, which occurred in 490 BC, was a battle that pitted the Greeks against the Persian army. This battle is seen as an important victory for the Greeks, as it showed the superiority of their phalanx formation over the horse cavalry of the Persian army. This battle also secured Greek independence and is seen as a crucial moment in Western Military History, as it began a period of expansion for the Greeks and served as a model for later wars, such as those of Alexander the Great.
The Crusades
The Crusades were a series of armed campaigns launched by the Catholic Church between the 11th and 13th centuries. The aim of the Crusades was to reclaim the holy places of Jerusalem from the Muslims. The Crusades were also seen as a contest between Christianity and Islam and as a way for the Church to gain control over parts of the Middle East. The Crusades would have a major effect on the culture, politics, and economics of the region, as well as serve as a major influence in Western Military History.
The Hundred Years War
The Hundred Years War, which lasted from 1337 – 1453, was a series of wars between the French and the British over control of the French throne. The war would ultimately result in a change of power in the region, with the French taking control over most of the region. The Hundred Years War would also serve as a model for later wars, including the Wars of the Roses, the Thirty Years War, and the Napoleonic Wars.
The Thirty Years War
The Thirty Years War, which occurred from 1618 – 1648, was a war between the Protestant and Catholic powers of Europe. This conflict marked the rise of absolutism within the Catholic and Protestant states of Europe and was an important factor in the establishment of the Westphalian System, which laid down the basis for the modern nation-state. The Thirty Years War is seen as a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Westphalian System and an important step in the development of European states.
The American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 -1783, was a conflict between the American colonies and the British Empire for independence. This war was seen as a major historical turning point, as it led to the establishment of a republic in the United States. The American Revolution was also seen as a major influence in the French Revolution and the development of a liberal form of government in Europe.
The Napoleonic Wars
The Napoleonic Wars, which lasted from 1803 – 1815, were a series of wars between the French Empire and a coalition of European powers. This conflict saw the rise of Napoleon and the decline of the French Empire, as well as a major influence in the development of modern warfare. The Napoleonic Wars were also seen as the first ‘total war’, as the belligerent powers sought to use all available means to achieve victory.
The Franco-Prussian War
The Franco-Prussian War, which occurred from 1870 – 1871, was a conflict between France and Prussia for control of the region. This conflict would mark the rise of German military power and would ultimately lead to the unification of Germany. The Franco-Prussian War would also serve as a model for later wars, such as World War I and World War II, and would have a lasting effect on the of Western Military History.
World War I
World War I, which occurred from 1914 – 1918, was the first global conflict involving the major powers of Europe. This conflict was the result of a conflict between the colonial powers of Europe and saw the rise of new weapons and tactics, including the use of submarines, tanks, and poison gas. The conflict would also see the emergence of the United States as a major global military power and would have a lasting effect on the politics and culture of the world.
World War II
World War II, which occurred from 1939 -1945, was a conflict between the Allied countries, led by the United States, and the Axis powers, led by Nazi Germany. This conflict saw a major shift in the power dynamics of Europe, as well as a major influence in the development of modern military tactics, such as the Blitzkrieg, the use of strategic bombing, and the development of nuclear weapons. The effects of World War II are still felt today and are seen as one of the most influential wars in Western Military History.
Wars often define a people and a nation, and those listed here are some of the most influential wars in Western Military History. From the Punic Wars to World War II, these conflicts have shaped the world in which we live today. They have also served as a basis for many of the wars that have come since, from the American Revolutionary War to the Gulf War and beyond. No matter what their actual outcome, it is clear that these wars have had a lasting impact on the world and will continue to shape the course of history for years to come.
