Why did Maximilian I use mercenary soldiers known as Landsknechte?
Maximilian I created the Landsknechte primarily to modernize his military and counter the dominance of Swiss mercenaries, known as ReislÀufer, who were frequently employed by his rivals, such as the French.123
After witnessing the tactical success of Swiss forces during battles in the 1470s, Maximilian recognized that his own German infantry lacked the necessary discipline and effectiveness. To address this, he recruited ReislÀufer to train his soldiers in the use of pike squares and other advanced infantry tactics.123
By integrating these methods, Maximilian transformed his forces into a formidable military unit capable of rebuffing heavy cavalry charges and competing for primacy on the battlefield. The Landsknechte became a central component of the House of Habsburg's military power, serving in numerous conflicts across Europe to defend and expand their territorial interests.23