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Bright and Dark Sides of Family Life in Armies in Modern Western Europe

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Lopatecki K.

Białostockie Teki Historyczne

2007

issue 5

57-73

It was characteristic of modern armies in Western Europe that soldiers were accompanied by an enormous number of women and children. This phenomenon had been widespread till the end of the 17th century, but became gradually restricted by army authorities at the later stage. Women living among soldiers had undeniable influence on their everyday life. Vendors, prostitutes, servants and wives became a part of each camp's scenery. Soldiers seemed to appreciate family life in the army, seeing various benefits in it. Firstly, all the choirs connected with housekeeping became a woman's duty, which was a great relief for a soldier. Efficient functioning of huge camps to a great extent depended on women's attitude. The psychological factor was equally important. Care and attention soldiers were getting from women were very important, especially in illness. Also everyday contact with soldiers' wives and children could not have been overestimated. Taking all these factors into account, fulfilling soldiers' sexual needs was not the most important of women's tasks. From the end of the 17th century the attitude of army authorities towards women travelling with soldiers was more and more disapproving. The organisation of the army and progressing bureaucracy of the country enabled better control and fullfilling of the army's needs. Food supply system using stores, developing medical system, the uniform standardization led to removal of women and families from the scene of camps and citadels in the 18th century.

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1 Białostockie Teki Historyczne

1 2007

1 Lopatecki K.

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Bright and Dark Sides of Family Life in Armies in Modern Western Europe