[quote=Meeky]Also, firearms for the most part brought an end to plate armor. This isn't to say that the advent of firearms immediately spelled the end of all armor, as you can see such historical troops as the Polish Hussar wearing metal armor well into the development of firearms; but you really shouldn't be standing in front of a guy with a rifle and expect your armor to get you away from the scene unscathed.[/quote]
Nonsense! They existed side-by-side for quite a long time. What changed was how much was worn and where, thickening up around the center of mass while the rest often got lighter. There's a reason we have the term bulletproof, and it refers to proofing of plate armor by close-range firing. Eventually, with the advent of cheaper & more effectual firearms and the bayonet, pike & plate were out entirely for the regular and eventually cavalry, too.

Interesting anecdote about the war, though. I was aware of the involvement of Prussian mercenaries and drill instructors, but not the Blue Book, or the use of militia as an unwilling anvil. Very interesting!