Early Modern Warfare: Tactical Change and Societal Shock I. Introduction Early modern warfare was an important stage in the history of human warfare, marking a major change in military technology and tactics. During this period, warfare gradually transitioned from the traditional era of cold weapons to the age of firearms, and the form, scale and impact of warfare also underwent profound changes. The purpose of this article is to explore the evolution, characteristics, and impact of early modern warfare on society. II. The Evolution of Early Modern Warfare Early modern warfare took place between the 15th and 19th centuries, and the form of warfare during this period gradually changed from all-out warfare in the feudal era to national warfare with the state as the main body. With the invention of gunpowder and the improvement of weapons, new weapons such as cannons and firearms were gradually applied on the battlefield, and a series of changes in military tactics and organization also took place. The composition of the military gradually became professional, professional officers began to emerge, and war tactics became more sophisticated and varied. III. Characteristics of Early Modern Warfare 1. Technological innovation: The invention and application of gunpowder greatly changed the shape of warfare. The advent of new types of weapons made warfare more brutal and efficient. 2. Tactical changes: Early modern warfare gave birth to new tactical concepts, such as line tactics, skirmish tactics, etc. 3. Nation-state: The subject of war gradually changed from feudal lords to nation-states, and the purpose of war was mostly to fight for territory and people. 4. Professional army: With the frequency of wars and the development of military technology, professional armies have gradually emerged, and military training and professional quality have become the core competitiveness of the army. IV. The Social Impact of Early Modern Warfare 1. Social unrest: War brought massive casualties and social unrest, accelerating changes in the social class structure. 2. Economic development: The needs of war have promoted the development of many industries such as industry and agriculture, and promoted economic progress. 3. Regime change: Wars often act as catalysts for regime change, shaping the political landscape of different countries. 4. Culture shock: War promotes the exchange and integration of different cultures, but also brings about a crisis of cultural identity. V. Conclusions Early modern warfare was an important stage in the history of human warfare, marking a revolution in military technology and tactics. Not only did it change the shape and scale of warfare, but it also had a profound impact on society. Through an in-depth study of early modern warfare, we can better understand the development process of human history and the complex relationship between war and society, culture, and economy. 6. Prospects Despite the many negative effects of early modern warfare, it also contributed to the continuous progress and development of society. In future research, we should further explore the impact of early modern warfare on world history and explore the positive factors in it, in order to draw experience from it and provide reference for peace and development in the world today. At the same time, we need to delve into the human, moral, and ethical issues of early modern warfare to remind people of the cruelty and lessons of war in the pursuit of progress.