Right, but that effect seems to be quite different, and essentially the same as warfare today. It turns out people don’t like killing other people.
But the “likelihood of surviving” calculus changes a bit when you’re on a field with cavalry, cannons, and ranks of soldiers all around. Charging may be a more appealing option, especially if it gets you a better position (i.e. maybe the enemy has fortifications).
Lindybeige suggested that the opposite might be true, at least for the individuals
I guess I was basing my comment on novels, such as the Sharpe series, rather then actual history.
They’re talking about urban fighting, I imagine fighting on an open field is quite different.
Indeed, although this video mentions a similar effect seen in open field formations
Right, but that effect seems to be quite different, and essentially the same as warfare today. It turns out people don’t like killing other people.
But the “likelihood of surviving” calculus changes a bit when you’re on a field with cavalry, cannons, and ranks of soldiers all around. Charging may be a more appealing option, especially if it gets you a better position (i.e. maybe the enemy has fortifications).