What were the strategic military innovations during the Wars of the Roses?

The Wars of the Roses saw significant strategic military innovations, particularly in the use of artillery, fortifications, and infantry tactics.

The Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England from 1455 to 1487, were a period of significant military innovation. One of the most notable changes was the increased use of artillery. Gunpowder weapons had been introduced to England in the 14th century, but it was during the Wars of the Roses that they became a common feature on the battlefield. Artillery was used both in field battles and in sieges, with cannons being used to breach the walls of castles and fortifications. This marked a shift in the nature of warfare, as it reduced the effectiveness of traditional castle defences and made open field battles more deadly.

Another significant innovation was the use of fortifications. As the war progressed, both sides began to build and use fortifications more extensively. These were not just castles, but also earthworks and other temporary structures that could be quickly erected to provide a defensive advantage. The use of these fortifications allowed armies to control key strategic points and made it more difficult for the enemy to launch successful attacks.

Infantry tactics also evolved during the Wars of the Roses. The traditional English longbow, which had been the dominant weapon in earlier conflicts, began to be replaced by the bill and the halberd. These were polearms that could be used both for stabbing and for slashing, making them more versatile than the longbow. The use of these weapons, combined with new tactics such as the 'hedgehog' formation, where soldiers would form a tight circle with their weapons pointing outwards, made the infantry a more formidable force on the battlefield.

In addition, there was a shift in the composition of the armies. The traditional feudal levy, where lords would call up their vassals to fight, began to be replaced by professional soldiers who were paid a wage. This made armies more reliable and effective, as the soldiers were better trained and more committed to the cause.

Overall, the Wars of the Roses saw a number of important military innovations that had a lasting impact on the nature of warfare. These changes reflected the evolving strategic needs of the conflict and the technological advancements of the time.