Battle tactics prior
After the first volley of fire the view of battle field was now obstructed by smoke. Soldiers then were trained to fire at areas of the battle field rather than specific targets. By standing in three lines soldiers would fire, kneel to reload his weapon, then the line behind would advance to fire their volley. This lead to hundreds being massacred by cannon fire as well as the fire of other soldiers. This method was not very practical but made the square of pike man tactic obsolete. However, the Colonists did not play by the rules, and began fighting as ghosts, the enemy never knew they were there.
Each side wanted to blast the other side off the field with concentrated musket fire. A rather funny way that psychological warfare used was the use of colorful clothing. The group of soldiers wearing that color would then gain a reputation and would be known by that reputation. Often times the opponents to retreat rather than stay and attack. Up until WWI this system of instilling fear into the enemy was practiced.
The link below is a re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington. They use the linear battle tactic consisting of long lines of men. Notice how the colonists did not stay in one area but rather split up. This later was practiced and became their own form of guerrilla warfare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Saf2BBdJ4Yc
Each side wanted to blast the other side off the field with concentrated musket fire. A rather funny way that psychological warfare used was the use of colorful clothing. The group of soldiers wearing that color would then gain a reputation and would be known by that reputation. Often times the opponents to retreat rather than stay and attack. Up until WWI this system of instilling fear into the enemy was practiced.
The link below is a re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington. They use the linear battle tactic consisting of long lines of men. Notice how the colonists did not stay in one area but rather split up. This later was practiced and became their own form of guerrilla warfare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Saf2BBdJ4Yc