(Off topic) Military history in the game.

[GurenGaaze]

this is kinda off topic as it isn't a question about the game itself, but rather, the motives behind it.
like french ideas "Elan!" why do they give that massive morale boost, what was the french army doing for getting such an reputation? simply winnin a huge war/battle by luck? was it their renowned cavalry who was just beast? the formation? was it during Napoleon's era? What were they REALLY known for? The same question is also regarding Spain/Castila/Aragon and Germany and Italy, I know those last ones are really diverse, but even so. (700-1700 era)

If this was not appropiate then please do delete it, but please tell me where I could ask about it

I'm sure there are some who know this much better than me, and i'm not asking if you could go into depth, but rather give me a general idea.

 

[Blust]

Elan is probably due to the Battle of Valmy. Look it up, it's not luck, it's quite amazing actually, but my opinion might be biased.

 

[Lord Zsinj]

Castille/Aragon (Spain) had what was widely considered the best army in Europe until they were eclipsed by the French after Rocroi. And Rocroi was misleading as the actual Spanish units never broke, it was German & Walloon units that shattered. Qualitively, France was then dominate up till the end of the Sun King’s reign, until being eclipsed by Prussia, then Great Britain.

The Revolutionary/Napoleonic Wars are also a tad misleading. Frances edge was in a doctrine that changed the military paradigm. Once their opponents reformed as well, that advantage was gone. It also must be said too that French relied on infantry assault columns filled by the levee en mass, which downplayed individual musket proficiency. Firepower was from an excellent artillery arm.