Hello Historians !
I am a 1st semester student of history and I am currently writing my exam on the use and decline of mercenaries, specifically Landsknechts, in european armies during the 17th century. However, I'm having trouble finding primary sources. The focus of my assignment is the view common people, clergy, nobility etc. had on mercenaries and why they still chose to use them. (It is my understanding that mercenaries were seen as vile, corrupted, godless men only interested in coin). Any help, analysis, comments etc. will be greatly appreciated. To be clear, I am asking for references to primary sources or any and all help in regards to the use of mercenaries in europe in the 17th century.
For Konge og Fædreland!
If you're discussing the decline in use of mercenaries, you should also look at the rise of standing citizen armies. Also, a good way to find primary sources is to find good secondary sources first. If you can find a book on early-modern warfare, like Mercenaries, Pirates, and Sovereigns by Janice Thomson or Conflict and Soldier's Literature in Early Modern Europe by Paul Scannell, you will likely find primary sources cited throughout. Also check out Mchiavelli's The Prince.
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