Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolution of military fortification was an event which altered the course of history and the introduction of gunpowder, more importantly its effects, was something which no country could escape. The exhibit demonstrates the types of fortifications and the methods in which sieges were fought. What is most important is to analyze the effects. The new, innovative methods of warfare allow us an insight into the countless methods in which one person can kill another.
But more than that, it showed us the cultural and economic effects. The evolution of fortifications and methods of sieges was reliant on men; countless men. And the introduction of gunpowder established them as nothing but supporting characters carrying firearms. In addition, the introduction of gunpowder and its revolution led to the rise of centralized states in Europe and the rise of the west. In continuation, the countless innovation of fortifications created the cultural transference between nations as they revised each other's new forms of military innovation. Presenting the significance of the evolution of military fortification.
Festungsbau, 1624
Since the introduction of gunpowder, militaries were heavily reliant on firearms and soldiers were only supporting characters. Fortifications started to become obsolete as the structures became lowered for the purpose of artillery; and in addition ditches and earth ramparts were also included for the purpose to absorb the energy from cannon fire. Once the walls were broken and exposed, cannon fire was extremely vulnerable and often sunk into the ditches. Therefore, the introduction of geometry within fortification was emphasized. The evolution of star shaped fortification was quite popular as it allowed for interlocking cannon fire which covered all potential approaches from the enemy.