lineinfantry

Line infantry refers to the basic infantry formations and tactics employed by European armies from roughly the mid-17th century to the mid-19th century. These soldiers were typically organized into long, thin lines, usually two or three ranks deep. This formation was a direct response to the limitations of contemporary firearms, primarily the smoothbore musket. The musket's inaccuracy and slow rate of fire meant that concentrated volleys were the most effective way to deliver firepower. A line formation allowed the maximum number of soldiers to fire simultaneously, presenting a significant threat to the enemy.

The effectiveness of line infantry relied heavily on discipline and training. Soldiers had to stand their ground under fire, reload their muskets accurately and efficiently, and execute complex drill maneuvers in unison. The ability to maintain formation while advancing or retreating was paramount. Officers and non-commissioned officers played a crucial role in maintaining order and morale. The visual impact of a massed line of infantry advancing was also intended to intimidate the enemy.

While advantageous for delivering massed fire, the line formation was vulnerable. Its narrow frontage made it susceptible to flanking maneuvers, and its rigidity could be a disadvantage in broken terrain. The development of more accurate and faster-firing weapons, such as the rifled musket, and improved artillery gradually rendered the traditional line infantry tactics obsolete by the mid-19th century, leading to the adoption of more dispersed and flexible formations.