France

By the beginning of the XVII century French infantry was a rather turgid sight, and therefore all wars were carried on by foreign hired troops. It was cardinal Richelle who promoted the development of a real national army. In 1640 France encamped 150 thousand units of infantry and 30 thousand of cavalry. The outstanding creator of the French army was Michel Le Telieu, who was promoted in 1643 to the military minister. He established a rank of civil intendant who was supposed to be attached to comandment officers. They managed such things as finance, supplies, fortifications, hospitals and military court. In order to arrange regular food supply of the troops Le Telieu established special shops which were of great importance during strategic operations. One of the greatest disadvantages of the hired armies have always been supply carts and huge carriage lines. Soldiers took their wives with them just to help create food and perform aids in case of injury. With the establishment of field hospitals and shops it became possible to prohibit the presence of soldiers wives in th army so that the latter favored in mobility. Gradually high officers were no more enabled to choose and appoint officers. Officer's destiny from then on depended solely on the King. New contingent was recruited. What Telieu had begun, his son marquise de Luvuas did continue. Therefore France possessed one of the mightiest regular armies and was capable of claiming the dominance in Europe. The country also pursued an active colonial policy, though England was a trifle better in this field, putting its fleet on account.

Unique units - King's Musketeer, Chasseur, Dragoon XVIII