Battles were shaped by the available military technology. The dominant force on the battlefield was ranked masses of infantrymen wielding smoothbore muskets. The smoothbore musket had limited range and accuracy because its barrel was not rifled. Its range was 150 to 200 yards, though it was most effective at 50 to 100 yards. Because it was so inaccurate, units of troops fired in volleys to maximize the effect of their fire. Troops were not taught to aim; they pointed their musket in the direction of their target and fired.

The need for units of infantrymen to concentrate their fire led to linear tactics. Troops were marched to the battlefield in columns, then deployed in lines of three or more ranks. One rank would volley after the other, keeping up a continuous fire. In battle, opposing lines would get quite close to each other in order to make the most of their firepower. The essence of battle tactics lay in knowing when to halt the line and fire. Volleying too early might waste the effect of a line's first shots. Waiting too long might let the enemy deliver a ravaging fire. The effects of this volleying back and forth could be devastating, so much so that eighteenth-century commanders often sought to avoid battle and achieve their goals by maneuver. Professional soldiers were expensive to train and hard to replace.

The purpose of firepower was to decimate, disorganize, and dishearten the opposing line. Once a line was seen to waver, a bayonet charge was launched to drive them from the field. A line of men charging with bayonets was an intimidating sight. Only a steady line would hold in the face of such a charge. On occasion, commanders would attack using the bayonet only, relying on speed and the moral effect of the blade.