Helion Talks – Infantry in Battle 1733–1783 – Underground Strategy

In this episode of Helion Talks, host Tony Garcia speaks with historian and author Alexander S. Burns about his book Infantry in Battle, 1733–1783.

Burns challenges the long-standing myth that 18th-century infantry were rigid automatons following rote drill. Instead, his work reveals a far more dynamic reality — one where soldiers and officers constantly negotiated tactics, adapted to terrain, and shaped the outcome of battles from the ground up.

The discussion spans from the battlefields of northern Italy to the American War of Independence, tracing how ordinary soldiers fought, took initiative, and learned within the chaos of war. Burns also shares insights from rare soldier letters uncovered in archives across Europe, illustrating how men thought, moved, and survived under fire.

Finally, he previews his upcoming projects, including new studies on George Washington’s army and the Duke of Cumberland’s campaigns.

Helion Talks releases new episodes once a month, featuring authors and historians from around the world.

Links:

Infantry in Battle 1733–1783

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Music: ‘Legionnaire’ by Scott Buckley — released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au