Encyclopedia · Historical periods

Artillery in the Mexican-American War

In the Mexican-American War American light field artillery, the famous flying artillery, proved decisive, its mobile smoothbore batteries maneuvering and firing with a speed that broke enemy formations.

Also known as: Mexican War artillery, flying artillery.

Period1846-1848
HallmarkMobile light field batteries, the flying artillery
GunsBronze smoothbore field guns and howitzers

The flying artillery

The Mexican-American War showed the power of well-drilled light field artillery. American batteries, trained in the mobile tactics associated with Samuel Ringgold, moved quickly about the field, unlimbered, and delivered rapid, accurate fire, then shifted position before they could be answered.

This flying artillery played a decisive part in battles such as Palo Alto and Buena Vista, and its example shaped the field artillery that both sides fielded a dozen years later in the Civil War.

Sources & further reading

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