Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Portugal, Spain and the 13th-century Reconquista
the Islamic maritime legacy
the 14th-century English alliance
African and Muslim trading networks
15th-century circumnavigation of Africa and trade with the Indies
16th-century dominance
defeat in Morocco
17th-century Spanish rule
the Dutch wars
Chronology 6
Portuguese Armies Before the Hundred Years' War 10
A new aristocracy
English and French influences
reforms of Fernando I
centralization under the Aviz dynasty
Organization & Recruitment, c.1400-1560 12
From feudal to professional armies
the Military Orders
the fidalgos
crossbowmen
conscription for the colonies
maritime recruitment
weak strength and organization of colonial garrisons
Mercenaries & Colonial Forces 17
Renegades
foreign volunteers
enlisted prisoners
colonial and native troops
Motivation, Training & Morale 20
Slaving
the crusading tradition
missionaries
prestige
wealth
Training
Acclimatization
eagerness for combat
Strategy & Tactics 33
'Armed trading'
the networks of coastal enclaves and forts
Tactics: 'amphibious' infantry and naval gunfire support
reinforcement expeditions
Warships, Equipment & Weapons 37
Galleys, caravels and carracks
crews and naval guns
the ordeal of ocean voyages
Arms and armour
Crossbows
Firearms
artillery
Select Bibliography 42
Plate Commentaries 44
Index 48
