Ep 9. Nagashino: Taking Swords to a Gunfight-1575

In episode 9 of season 1 of History's Great Military Blunders and the Lessons They Teach, we revisit the battle of Nagashino in 1575. The episode is titled "Taking Swords to a Gunfight" and explores the clash between the Takeda and Oda clans in feudal Japan.

The episode begins by setting the historical context of the battle. With the Warring States period in full swing, powerful clans vied for control and dominance over each other. The Takeda clan, under the leadership of Takeda Shingen, had established itself as a formidable military force in the region. They were known for their expert cavalry tactics and fierce soldiers, who believed in the samurai code of loyalty to their lord. In contrast, the Oda clan, led by Oda Nobunaga, were seen as upstarts who had risen to power through cunning and opportunism. They had recently acquired firearms from the Europeans and were experimenting with gunpowder tactics on the battlefield.

The episode then delves into the events leading up to the battle of Nagashino. The Takeda clan, seeking to weaken the Oda and establish their dominance, launched a surprise attack on one of their smaller fortresses. Although they managed to breach the walls, the Takeda soldiers were met with heavy resistance from the Oda defenders, who repelled the attack using their newly acquired firearms. The Takeda suffered heavy losses and were forced to retreat with their tails between their legs.

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the proud Takeda warriors, who felt that their honor had been besmirched by the use of "cowardly" firearms on the battlefield. Takeda Shingen, in particular, was incensed by the defeat and vowed vengeance against the Oda. He planned a massive offensive, gathering tens of thousands of soldiers, including his elite cavalry, for an all-out assault.

The Oda, however, were well-prepared for the Takeda attack. They had set up a large fortification at Nagashino, complete with trenches, palisades, and artillery emplacements. They had also trained their soldiers in the use of firearms, drilling them in volley firing techniques that allowed them to unleash a devastating barrage of bullets on the enemy.

The episode then portrays the gruesome and bloody battle that ensued at Nagashino. The Takeda charged across the plain, their banners fluttering and their swords drawn. But they were met with a hail of bullets from the Oda defenders, who stood firm in their fortifications. The Takeda cavalry was decimated, and their foot soldiers suffered heavy casualties as they tried to storm the walls. Shingen himself was wounded by a bullet and had to be carried off the field.

In the end, the Takeda were forced to retreat, with their army in shambles. The Oda had won a decisive victory, and the use of firearms had proven to be a game-changer on the battlefield.

The episode ends with a discussion of the lessons that can be learned from the battle of Nagashino. It highlights the importance of adapting to new technologies and tactics, of understanding the strengths and weaknesses of one's enemy, and of not underestimating the power of innovation. The use of firearms had changed the balance of power in feudal Japan, and those who failed to adapt to this new reality were doomed to failure.