Line infantry tactics: Linear formations were preferred for deploying infantry on the battlefield. Soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder in long lines of two or three ranks and fired volleys in unison, while other ranks reloaded their muskets. These tactics, known as linear warfare, required discipline and teamwork as they often led to casualties due to limited accuracy and susceptibility to artillery.
Cavalry charges: Heavy cavalry was employed for frontal attacks on enemy formations. These charges primarily aimed to break the enemy's ranks and cause disruption. Light cavalry was used for scouting, harassment, and raiding behind enemy lines.
Bayonet charges: Infantrymen were equipped with bayonets, long knives fixed to the muskets' barrels. When in close proximity to the enemy, they would engage in hand-to-hand combat with fixed bayonets and swords.
Artillery: Cannons and field guns played a vital role in artillery battles. Artillery barrages were used to weaken enemy positions before infantry assaults or repel cavalry charges. The effectiveness of artillery improved substantially throughout the 18th century with the introduction of lighter and more mobile artillery pieces.
Naval warfare: The 1700s witnessed frequent naval battles as major powers, including Great Britain, France, and Spain, competed for territorial and trade dominance. Ships of the line engaged in line-of-battle tactics, which involved long columns of vessels firing broadsides (cannons mounted on the sides of ships) at each other from close range.
Fortifications: Forts, castles, and fortifications played a central role in defensive strategies. Armies frequently employed siege warfare to capture strategic fortresses, using heavy artilleries, trench warfare, and mining techniques.
Mercenaries: Many armies included paid troops or mercenaries as part of their forces. This was a common practice as it allowed countries to quickly bolster their military without relying solely on conscription or standing armies.