Professional Army

Definition

A professional army is a military force composed of trained soldiers who are employed on a full-time basis, as opposed to a conscripted or militia-based force. This structure allows for greater discipline, efficiency, and effectiveness in military operations, and it became a hallmark of absolutist states that sought to consolidate power and maintain control over their territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The development of professional armies was a key factor in the rise of absolutist states in Europe, as these armies provided monarchs with the military power needed to enforce their rule and suppress dissent.
2. Professional armies were typically funded by the state, allowing for better training and equipment compared to armies that relied on conscription or volunteer soldiers.
3. The establishment of a professional army often led to changes in military tactics and strategies, as commanders could rely on well-trained troops rather than untrained conscripts.
4. By maintaining a standing professional army, absolutist rulers could project power both domestically and abroad, leading to increased territorial expansion and influence.
5. The reliance on a professional army also fostered a sense of national identity and loyalty among soldiers, as they were seen as defenders of the state rather than mere hired hands.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of a professional army change the dynamics of power for absolutist rulers?
  • The establishment of a professional army significantly strengthened absolutist rulers by providing them with a reliable and loyal military force. Unlike conscripted armies that could be less disciplined and more prone to dissent, a professional army allowed monarchs to exert greater control over their territories. This shift enabled rulers to maintain order, suppress rebellions, and project military power effectively, reinforcing their authority and centralizing governance.
• In what ways did professional armies influence military tactics and strategies in early modern Europe?
  • Professional armies changed military tactics and strategies by emphasizing discipline, training, and organization. Commanders could rely on soldiers who had undergone rigorous training rather than untrained conscripts, which allowed for more complex maneuvers and coordinated attacks. The shift towards standing armies also encouraged the development of new technologies and tactics, including artillery use and combined arms operations, which transformed how battles were fought in early modern Europe.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of relying on professional armies for state power in Europe during the absolutist era.
  • Relying on professional armies during the absolutist era had profound long-term impacts on state power in Europe. It contributed to the centralization of authority within states, as monarchs could maintain control over their military forces without relying on local nobles or militias. This not only solidified absolute rule but also fostered national identity among soldiers and civilians alike. Additionally, the reliance on a standing army set precedents for modern nation-states, influencing future military structures and the relationship between governments and their armed forces.

Related terms

Mercenary: A soldier who is hired to serve in a foreign army, often motivated by financial gain rather than loyalty to a nation.

Conscription: The mandatory enlistment of individuals into the armed forces, often used by states to quickly build up military numbers during times of war.

Standing Army: A permanent, professional army that is maintained during peacetime as well as wartime, allowing for readiness and rapid mobilization.