Practices and Impact on Outcomes in Early Modern Wars (1500-1750)

Military Tactics and Innovations:

The Thirty Years’ War witnessed significant changes in military organisation, including the formation of professional, paid armies rather than feudal levies or mercenaries.
Naval advancements, as seen in the Anglo-Dutch Wars, played a pivotal role in battles. The Dutch ‘ship of the line’ was an essential factor in their victories.
Siege warfare was an integral part of many conflicts, including the Habsburg-Valois Wars, where fortresses and walled cities were significant strategic points.

Diplomacy and Alliances:

Throughout the Thirty Years’ War, shifting alliances and peace treaties, such as the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, altered the course of the war and its final outcome.
The balance of power politics was evident in the formation of coalitions like the League of Augsburg in the Nine Years’ War (1688-1697), countering one dominant power (in this case, France).

Economic Practices and Consequences:

The economic drain of warfare often led to heavier taxation and economic hardship in the civilian population, as seen in the English Civil War and the Habsburg-Valois Wars.
The disruption of trade routes and financial systems as a result of war could weaken countries both during and after the conflict.
The struggle for colonial dominance and control over trade resources often led to altering the balance of power, such as in the Anglo-Dutch Wars.

Societal and Cultural Impact:

Wars, like the English Civil War and the Eighty Years’ War, often led to significant social change and revolts, challenging existing political or social structures.
Conflicts often resulted in widespread humanitarian crises, characterised by population loss, famine, and disease, such as in the Thirty Years’ War.
Despite their disruptive nature, wars also brought about technological and medical advancements, as nations sought to innovate and adapt in their bid to secure victory.

Remember, the understanding of these points is significant when examining the outcomes and long term impacts of any conflict in this era. While some practices may appear to have merely immediate effects, they often laid the groundwork for significant societal, political and economic changes.