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Message: <blockquote data-quote="mythusmage" data-source="post: 463354" data-attributes="member: 571">Indeed, some form of metal cuirass was used as late as the First World War. But, such were purchased by the individual involved, they were not part of the assigned equipment. Come the Second World War and nylon flak jackets were provided in an attempt to improve bomber crews' chances, which would lead to the body armor of today. Matter of fact, the typical American soldier of today is better protected than his 15th century counterpart.Now, while his point is correct, so far as it goes, it doesn't cover everything. Things were in a state of flux during the Renaissance. Europe's population was starting to expand, the economy was switching over from an agricultural base to a monetary one, and new things were being discovered. Spain would enjoy a brief moment in the Sun, then fade away. The Netherlands would have her chance to lead, but would fail because she simply didn't have the resources. France would falter thanks to some vicious religious wars, leaving the field to England. In case you were wondering, Germany and Italy never had a chance, and Sweden wasted her opportunities through misuse of her resources. Given a number of monarchs the caliber of Gustaf Adolphus the history of Central Europe and North America would've been much different.During all this turmoil and tumult warfare changed. it stopped being the private domain of nobles and became the realm of the nation state. England became a nation before any other European polity because the English monarch had a strong standing army. For that we can thank Queen Margaret (mother and regent of King Stephen) and King John. After the latter especially, English kings were determined that never again would they be held ransom by English nobility. Other Western European countries took longer to learn that lesson, but learn it they did.Which meant the power of the upper class would fade as time went by, and national armies were established. But, running an army costs money. Spain tried equiping their army on an agrarian economy, and went bankrupt. England, France, and Holland tried it with a monetary economy, and learned they couldn't afford everything they wanted. They had to economize.England did it by going for a small, professional army, and by building a navy that could protect her shores from possible invasion, and her merchant fleet. All three also economized by eliminating unneccesary gear. Such as armor except for certain elite units.Armor of course would not disappear entirely. Helmets for one. But men in armor would rarely determine the fate of nations, and then only in far off climes where the European held a nigh insurmontable edge over his foes. Mexico and the Andes are examples of this.Armor has been around for a long time. Ever since the day the Sumerians started weaving reeds into primitive breastplates against enemy spears and axes. But the day when armored combatants dominated the field of battle ended centuries ago.</blockquote>

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