Did line infantry in the 18th century (1700-1780's) always have there bayonet attatched in battle?

by Former_Pedophile_AMA

Did soldiers of European nations always have their bayonets attatched as depicted in this picture? Or were they only fixed for anti-cavalry and bayonet charges? I've seen both depicted, such as this and this. Thank you.

DonaldFDraper

An important thing to know is that reenactors will make it a rule to not reenact with the bayonet attached. They do this for safety since these people are not professional soldiers and things happen.

But generally, yes the bayonet was always attached. Rarely will soldiers fight without bayonets and the rare instances will be for weapons (like the non-Baker rifles) that didn't have bayonet slugs or socket bayonets. The importance for this is as you've noted, anti-cavalry and bayonet charges.