Cavalry Charges by Sabine Lorca

Cavalry Charges offers a comprehensive exploration of mounted warfare, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the modern era. It examines how cavalry charges, an iconic military tactic, have influenced battlefield outcomes and broader historical trends.

The book argues that these charges represent a complex interplay of technology, tactics, and societal values, demonstrating that their success depended on factors beyond just skilled riders and quality horses. For example, the introduction of firearms forced cavalry to adapt, leading to new formations and tactics alongside infantry and artillery.

The book progresses chronologically, starting with the origins of mounted warfare and the rise of knights in medieval Europe, even analyzing the limitations exposed at battles like Crécy. It then shifts to the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting cavalry's strategic role, before analyzing its decline in the 20th century and its legacy in modern armor warfare.

Drawing upon diverse sources, it offers a fresh perspective on military history, challenging conventional wisdom about the enduring importance of cavalry. Did you know that cavalry saw a brief resurgence in World War I, despite the dominance of machine guns?