Soldiers' Lives through History - The Early Modern World

The narrative explores the evolution of the early modern soldier in Europe from 1494 to 1789, highlighting his complex identity. Initially depicted as the flamboyant Landsknecht of the sixteenth century, he transforms into a mercenary during the Thirty Years War, often engaging in violence against civilians. By the eighteenth century, he becomes a mere automaton, stripped of individuality and subjected to relentless hardship. This portrayal challenges common perceptions, revealing the harsh realities and moral ambiguities faced by soldiers in this tumultuous era.