The Industrial Era witnessed the transition from smaller, professional armies to massive conscripted forces. The French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars demonstrated the power of levée en masse, where entire populations were mobilized for war. Nationalism played a key role, encouraging citizens to fight for their country. Systems of conscription became more standardized, leading to significantly larger armies than ever before.

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Industrialization spurred dramatic advancements in weaponry:

• Rifled Muskets: Increased accuracy and range compared to smoothbore muskets.
• Breech-loading Rifles: Allowed for faster reloading.
• Machine Guns: Such as the Gatling gun and Maxim gun, delivered devastating firepower.
• Artillery: Became more powerful and accurate with improved metallurgy and explosives. Breech loading artillery and rifled barrels increased range and accuracy significantly.
• Ironclad Warships: Steam-powered warships clad in iron armor revolutionized naval warfare.

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Battle of Waterloo (1815)

The decisive battle of the Napoleonic Wars. Napoleon's defeat by the Duke of Wellington's allied army and Blücher's Prussian army marked the end of his reign and ushered in a period of relative peace in Europe. The battle highlighted the importance of combined arms tactics, particularly the coordination of infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

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Battle of Balaclava (1854)

Part of the Crimean War, known for the disastrous "Charge of the Light Brigade." The battle exposed flaws in command and communication. Showcased courage but also tactical ineptitude. This battle, during the Crimean war, was a disaster for British forces.

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