The capabilities of a “standard” line infantry unit therefore varied between nations and over time. The better colonels did take a pride in their regiments, spending their own fortunes on good uniforms and weapons. This contractor system, however, allowed unscrupulous officers to make handsome profits by pocketing the pay of non-existent soldiers. They jealously guarded their rights to appoint friends, relatives and hangers-on as regimental officers.
Historically, in many armies colonels received a fee to raise regiments, which remained their personal property and commands. The ability to fire and reload with machine-like regularity with shot and bullet flying and comrades falling all around is what wins battles. These are inaccurate weapons, effective only over 200 paces or so and when fired in massed volleys. These soldiers carry muzzle-loading, smoothbore muskets firing lead balls as wide as a man’s thumb. Indeed, over time the capabilities of line infantry should improve as new tactics, drill and weaponry are developed. They are so called because they form the line of battle, not because they always deploy in lines. “Marching regiments” or “line battalions” make up the majority of units in European-style armies. The French royal forces are more than a match for the armies in Normandy, but they also have enough fronts to deal with right now that they are unlikely to be able to drive them from the continent anytime soon.These musket-armed troops use massed volleys to break an enemy, relying on discipline to withstand any counter fire. The Scots to the north are isolated from the rest of Europe, and should be easy to wear down without a strong ally from the mainland. The ever stubborn Scottish also prevent the King of England from having uncontested control of the British Isles.Though they presently face trouble on multiple fronts, the English are in a rather promising position. This independence in England, plus the proximity of Normandy to other lands the French monarchy consider their own, makes France an immediate and obvious threat to deal with. England's new masters have a more modern approach to the art of warfare, and the will to utilise the country's rich resources to maximum effect.The English court may now speak French, but the Normans certainly don't consider their new conquest a French territory. Most importantly, William the Conqueror came with the support of the Pope, as well as a mixed force of well-trained infantry, archers and heavy cavalry. However, the new rulers of England have swiftly replaced and improved the taxation system so as to replenish their coffers in quick time. Having recently wrestled control of England from the Saxons, many would expect the conquering Normans to be somewhat spent and weakened.
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