Pikes

Pikes were the main weapon used by the rebels of 1798. Almost all the rebels carried a pike of some sort. These were spear-like weapons. The shaft was usually around six feet long and the spear around six inches long.

Later, a hook was added to the side of the pike heads to enable the rebels to cut the reins of horses in order to dismount enemy riders.

The pike was an effective weapon in close combat because it was easy to manouvre. It was no match, however, for the government artillery. The reason pikes were so common among the rebels was simply that they were cheap and easy to make.