This is probably false to some extent because I get this perception mainly from movies and other media, but did soldiers in old wars line up in formations exposing themselves and take turns to fire? If so, why?
Edit: Ty for all the detailed responses guys! I had one more question- wouldn’t it make more sense for them to spread out or take cover while fighting?
In: 2518
A 1770s musket might be reloaded by a well drilled man in 20 seconds.
Alone, he can fire a shot every 20 seconds. But if has a friend stands behind him he can fire, then kneel and reload as his friend fires. Together, they can fire once every 10 seconds. A third rank makes it about every 7 seconds.
Now imagine he has his 90 men of his infantry company with him. Every second more then 4 muskets go off, starting at one end of the line and working to the other as they fire by platoon. Any force attacking from the front faces somewhat indifferently aimed gunfire, but enough to shatter a frontal attack from even the most determined foes.
Line infantry was used because it was very, very effective and hard to counter without massed artillery.
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