Changes in Technology

Medieval Period (c. 500-1500)

Longbow - The introduction of the longbow in the 14th century allowed archers to shoot arrows with accuracy over long distances. Its usage was decisive in battles such as Crécy and Agincourt.
Mangonel/Catapult - Catapults or mangonels could hurl stones or other projectiles over fortification walls, making sieges more effective.
Crossbow - Originating in East Asia and adopted in Europe in the late Medieval period, this weapon was much easier to aim and could penetrate shield and armour.

Early Modern (1500-1800)

Handheld firearms - Harquebuses and muskets replaced bows as they had greater firepower, although they were slow to reload and inaccurate.
Cannons - These were key in siege warfare, capable of breaking down castle walls much more effectively than previous technologies.
Galleons - The introduction of larger, more heavily armed ships, known as galleons, led to important developments in naval warfare, demonstrated by key battles like the Spanish Armada.

Industrial Age (1800-1914)

Rifles - Rifles replaced muskets due to their increased accuracy and range. Notably used during the Crimean War.
Machine Guns - They could fire continuously for prolonged periods without overheating. This dramatically increased the effectiveness and scale of infantry defences.
Railways - Allowed rapid and bulk movement of troops and supplies, changing the pace and logistics of war. Used extensively in the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War.

World Wars (1914-1945)

Tanks - First used in First World War, they had the capacity to cross trenches and withstand machine gun fire, transforming land warfare.
Airplanes - Initially used for reconnaissance, later developed into bombers and fighters, adding a new dimension to warfare by the Second World War.
Radar - This allowed detection of enemy aircraft and ships, greatly enhancing defence capabilities.

Post-Modern (1945 to Present)

Nuclear Weapons - Capable of causing massive destruction, they have altered the nature of warfare, focusing on prevention and deterrence.
Guided Missiles - These can be launched from a distance and accurately guided to hit a specific target.
Drones - Unmanned, remotely piloted vehicles that can carry out reconnaissance or launch attacks without endangering human operators.
Cyber Warfare - Utilising computer technology to disrupt, disable or spy on enemy capabilities, becoming a major new front in national defence strategies.