FRENCH SOLDIER

The army of Louis XIV was arguably the first recognisably modern armed force. After he assumed personal power in 1661, Louis exercised direct control and introduced the first example of modernised conscription with a military draft in 1688. French soldiers were properly uniformed and barracked, used socket bayonets, pontoon bridges and were led by men who commanded from the front. The highly professional nature of Louis’s army meant that they won many victories despite being surrounded by William III’S Grand Alliance.