| This study illustrates the complexity of organizational change caused by technological innovations, the influence of which, extended beyond the equipment, tactics and the doctrine of the branch. Three major themes emerge out of this study. The symbolism of the cavalry and how its benefits, as well as its limits, affected the cavalry's relationship with technology is one major theme. This study determines that it was emotionally difficult or the cavalry to give up its horses and sabers, because they constituted the cavalry's symbolism and identity. As a result, the cavalry modernized, though only in part, in an effort to improve its efficiency, yet maintain the horse.;The second theme centers upon technology and how its prominence and shortfalls also affected the transformation of the horse cavalry. The story of the United States horse cavalry in the 20th century reveals that the arrival of technological developments in the military did not automatically portend greater efficiency. Technological advances faced many shortfalls shortly after being introduced to warfare, thereby giving opponents of modernization the opportunity to prove the continued relevance of traditional means. The uncertainty surrounding the efficiency of new technology allowed political debate that slowed the rate of the cavalry's transformation. If new developments had convincingly proven more efficient than the old means of warfare, little room for debate would have been allowed.;The third theme is the influence of the competition between the progressive and conservative mindset. This conflict took many forms, as noted throughout the text. Most cavalrymen combined conservative and progressive ideologies in that they saw a need to modernize the cavalry to maintain efficiency as a branch, yet remained traditionally minded in their desire to maintain some traditional aspects as long as possible. Thus, the cavalry maintained a combination of old and new technology both physically and psychologically. This transformation of the horse cavalry has similar characteristics to technological transformations of today, which are also challenged by technical complexity and traditional factors. |
