Why did Longswords give way to rapiers and sabres during the Renaissance?
I like most of the answers below, especially m4nu, but there's one big thing no one's mentioning: Armor. As technology progressed, muskets made armor utterly useless. Then, when hand to hand combat did occur, there was no need for a sword so heavy it would break a man's ribs through iron, just so…
The Short Answer
I like most of the answers below, especially m4nu, but there's one big thing no one's mentioning: Armor. As technology progressed, muskets made armor utterly useless. Then, when hand to hand combat did occur, there was no need for a sword so heavy it would break a man's ribs through iron, just something to stab him with would do just fine. I always thought it was interesting that through Korea people quit using personal body armor and now it's coming back. Modern soldiers look about as covered up as a knight these days.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Armor, hand, answers
This explanation focuses on armor, hand, answers and spans 94 words across 5 sentences. At 38% above the average General Knowledge explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “I like most of the answers below, especially m4nu, but there's one big thing no one's mentioning: Armor.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in General Knowledge
Ranked #118 of 500 General Knowledge questions by answer depth (top 24%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why longswords give way to rapiers and sabres during the renaissance?
I like most of the answers below, especially m4nu, but there's one big thing no one's mentioning: Armor. As technology progressed, muskets made armor utterly useless. Then, when hand to hand combat did occur, there was no need for a sword so heavy…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar General Knowledge questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 94 words, ranked #118 of 500 General Knowledge questions by depth. The key concepts covered are armor, hand, answers.
What approach does this answer take to explain longswords give way to rapiers and sabres during the renaiss?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 94 words. It is categorized under General Knowledge and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.