Post by Alexi I Comnin on Dec 6, 2008 19:17:04 GMT
The Hundred Years War (1337-1457) witnessed the beginning of national identity and loyalty to the nation-state as a series of dynastic wars served to crystalize national identities. The need for large military forces, including mercenary contingents, gave rise to the replacement of in-kind taxes with regular collections of specie. This, in turn, required the development of a centralized governmental mechanism as the embryonic states began to build a governmental infrastructure controlled by the king. Both during the war and for more than 100 years following it, Europe was plagued by bands of demobilized ex-soldiers who fought for pay and constantly switched sides. The problem was how to bring these military forces under the control of a national army. The solution was permanent pay, regular garrison locations, strict codes of military discipline, and the emergence of military rank and administrative structures. By the 1600s, for the first time since Rome, Europe once again began to develop stable, permanent armed forces directed by central national authorities and supported by taxation.
