This book traces the development of modern warfare in Europe during the years 1650-1715 and the extension of those military techniques worldwide. Dominated by the ambitions of France's King Louis XIV, Europe in the years 1650-1715 witnessed a series of wars from which emerged many of the theories, practices, and technologies that characterise modern warfare. During this period, European armies evolved modern ideas of army organisation and military leadership, as well as modern views of campaign strategy and battle tactics. As European soldiers and colonists moved into Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, the practice or influence of their military techniques and ideas also affected wars fought in those places.In this volume, the author describes and defines important events, technologies, and individuals from this seminal period of global military history. As well as more than 1000 extensively cross-referenced entries, this encyclopaedia also includes 14 maps of various wars and battles, as well as a detailed chronology of the period and a current, select bibliography of useful print and non-print information resources. Entries include descriptions of the course and consequences of various wars of the period such as the first Anglo-Dutch War (1652-1654) and the Nine Years' War (1688-1697), descriptions of the course and importance of various battles and sieges including the Battle of Beachy Head (1690), and descriptions of national armies and navies of the period.Also explored are the careers and influence of important military figures such as the Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill (1650-1722) and William III (1650-1702). Information in all entries can be accessed through a detailed subject index and through the use of cross-references found in the main entry listing and within the entries themselves. This book is part of the "Greenwood Encyclopedias of Modern World Wars" series.