Professional Army

Definition

A professional army is a military force composed of full-time soldiers who are trained and compensated for their service, as opposed to a conscripted or militia-based force. This type of army typically provides greater efficiency, stability, and effectiveness in military operations due to the ongoing training and commitment of its members, which can have significant social and political consequences within a society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The emergence of professional armies during the late Middle Ages marked a shift from feudal levies, as kings sought to centralize power and create more reliable military forces.
2. Professional armies were often funded by taxes and royal treasuries, which allowed monarchs to maintain a consistent and trained fighting force throughout their reigns.
3. With the rise of professional armies, warfare became more standardized and organized, leading to the development of new tactics and strategies that were different from earlier, ad-hoc military engagements.
4. The establishment of a professional army often contributed to the decline of feudalism, as it reduced the power of local lords who relied on personal militias for defense and warfare.
5. The presence of a professional army in a society can lead to increased national identity and unity, as these forces are often seen as representatives of the state rather than local interests.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of a professional army impact the political landscape during the Middle Ages?
  • The creation of professional armies significantly transformed the political landscape of the Middle Ages by centralizing military power under the authority of monarchs. This shift allowed kings to assert greater control over their territories, diminishing the influence of local lords who relied on feudal levies. As a result, monarchs could enforce their rule more effectively and create a more unified state, which ultimately contributed to the decline of feudalism.
• Discuss the social consequences of transitioning from feudal militias to professional armies in medieval society.
  • The transition from feudal militias to professional armies had profound social consequences. It altered the relationship between nobility and common people, as local lords lost their traditional power over military matters. With trained soldiers serving directly under royal command, citizens began to see themselves as part of a larger national identity rather than just subjects of their local lord. This change fostered greater loyalty to the state and reshaped societal dynamics within medieval communities.
• Evaluate how the concept of a professional army influenced the development of modern nation-states and their governance structures.
  • The concept of a professional army played a crucial role in shaping modern nation-states by providing governments with stable, trained military forces that were essential for maintaining order and projecting power. As states became more centralized and bureaucratic in nature, professional armies allowed rulers to exert control over larger territories and populations. This development fostered a sense of national identity and loyalty among citizens, paving the way for contemporary governance structures that emphasize centralized authority and national defense.

Related terms

Feudal System: A social structure prevalent in the Middle Ages where land was held by nobles in exchange for military service, often leading to a reliance on local militias rather than professional soldiers.

Mercenary: A soldier who is hired to serve in a foreign army or engage in military activities for profit, often lacking loyalty to any specific nation or cause.

Standing Army: A permanent, professional army that is maintained during peacetime and is always ready for action, contrasting with temporary forces that might be raised during times of conflict.