In the 1500s, the military was primarily used for:
- Defending a country from invasion
- Conquering new territory
- Protecting trade routes
- Suppressing rebellions
Today, the military is used for a wider range of purposes, including:
- Peacekeeping
- Humanitarian assistance
- Disaster relief
- Counterterrorism
- Promoting democracy
- Protecting human rights
The modern military is a more complex and multifaceted institution than it was in the 1500s. It is also more responsive to the needs of the people it serves.