Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war.

And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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In this episode of Why Wars Happened History Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of 18th-century warfare with our special guest, Dr. Alexander S. Burns, an esteemed historian and author. Dr. Burns discusses his recent book 'Infantry in Battle, 1733 to 1783', which explores the experiences of ordinary soldiers during key historical battles such as the War of Polish Succession. We chat about the evolution from medieval combat techniques to the rise of professional standing armies, the role of muskets and bayonets, and the psychological toll on soldiers. We also touch on how modern historical writing can make the past more accessible and intriguing. Perfect for history buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by how warfare has evolved over time.

00:00 Welcome to Why Wars Happen History Podcast

00:37 Introducing Dr. Alexander S. Burns

01:18 The Art of Writing History

02:43 Mapping Historical Battles

04:50 The War of the Polish Succession

10:02 The Role of Bayonets and Close Combat

17:24 Evolution of Military Tactics

22:46 The Impact of Muskets on Warfare

32:19 Comparing Arrows and Bullets in Battle

37:16 Upcoming Projects and Farewell