Polemology Positions

Polemology Positions

Share this post

Polemology Positions
Polemology Positions
Rate of Fire is Everything
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Rate of Fire is Everything

Artillery is not infantry

Mar 08, 2021
∙ Paid

Share this post

Polemology Positions
Polemology Positions
Rate of Fire is Everything
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Yes, Virginia, you really can fire a musket three times a minute. In fact, a highly-drilled redcoat should be pushing four. In the early modern period, firing drill did indeed make an enormous difference to the comparative effectiveness of an army. Just ask any opponent of Frederick the Great.

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Polemology Positions to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Polemology Positions
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More