Napoleonic weaponry and warfare

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The warfare of the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) involved sweeping changes in tactics, organization, armament, and naval combat for all nations involved. Armies grew in size through the introduction of mass conscription, notably in France with the levée en masse, allowing entire populations to be mobilized for military service. The French army developed the corps system, organizing forces into semi-independent corps with infantry, cavalry, and artillery, which could maneuver and fight separately or together. This was supported by rapid marches that gave French forces a speed advantage on campaign. Infantry tactics evolved across Europe. French forces often used a combination of dense columns for attack and skirmishers in mixed order, aiming for shock and flexibility. Austrian infantry typically formed battalion masses that could absorb attacks but sacrificed some mobility. The Prussian army, after early defeats, reformed using the Krümper system, training small groups in rotation to build...

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