The Evolution of Technology and Warfare.
Warfare has built up and devastated nations, it has molded and destroyed cultures, since the beginning of civilization, warfare has left its impact on humanity, and it affects every aspect of human culture and life. Some historians and psychologists argue that humans naturally engage in warfare. Therefore, as long as the human race continues to exist, so will the art of warfare. Others have different views, claiming that warfare arose as human civilizations developed; the politics involved between towns, states, and countries created the conflicts that raged into war. Although the origin and future of warfare remains uncertain, history shows that many changes took place throughout the existence of war. From the small tribal conflicts of primitive man to the global threat of nuclear warfare, warfare has drastically changed. This paper will discuss the evolution of warfare, as well as the impact that technology has on it.
Defining warfare is a very difficult task. A simple definition is "the use of physical force to settle disputes between organized groups" (Walsh 62). On the other hand, a more complex idea states that war is "an organized struggle between groups in which each side seeks to displace or dispel, to dominate or to punish, or simply to be rid of the other, by inflicting what we call "defeat" (Gallie 30). Gallie defines two eras of warfare: the classic and problematic stages. The classic phase of warfare lasted from the establishment of war until about two hundred years ago. During this period, war affected every day life. Many years were spent fighting wars. Even in times of peace, war was still anticipated, and thus kept everyone prepared for war. The opposing sides gathered to fight and display their army's skills, resources, and bravery in order to overcome the enemy. The classic wars ended with the collapse of the Napoleonic Age (Gallie 39).
