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Warfare and British society, c1700 to c1900
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Industrialisation transformed weapons and transport, and newspapers brought war home to the public.
Weapons and industry
Rifles (more accurate than muskets), better bullets, field guns and heavy artillery made battlefields deadlier. The cavalry declined.
Industrialisation allowed mass production of weapons, while steam ships and railways moved troops and supplies faster.
Industrialisation allowed mass production of weapons, while steam ships and railways moved troops and supplies faster.
Recruitment and reform
Most soldiers were volunteers, often poor.
Cardwell's reforms (1868 to 1874) professionalised the army: flogging in peacetime was abolished, buying officers' commissions was ended, shorter service was introduced and regiments were linked to local areas.
Newspapers and photography shaped public opinion: William Howard Russell's reports from the Crimean War and reports of the Boer War showed problems and suffering.
Cardwell's reforms (1868 to 1874) professionalised the army: flogging in peacetime was abolished, buying officers' commissions was ended, shorter service was introduced and regiments were linked to local areas.
Newspapers and photography shaped public opinion: William Howard Russell's reports from the Crimean War and reports of the Boer War showed problems and suffering.
Case studies
Waterloo (1815): the Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon. He held a strong ridge, his infantry formed squares against French cavalry, and the Prussians arrived to help.
Balaclava (1854): in the Crimean War, a confused order from Lord Raglan led to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade against Russian guns.
Balaclava (1854): in the Crimean War, a confused order from Lord Raglan led to the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade against Russian guns.
Explain why the Battle of Balaclava damaged the army's reputation.
- A confused order from Lord Raglan sent the Light Brigade against Russian guns.
- Many cavalrymen were killed or wounded for no gain.
- Newspaper reporting meant the public learned about the blunder.
Answer: A command mistake caused heavy losses and the press made it public.
Rifles, artillery, mass production, steam and rail. Cardwell reforms 1868 to 74. Press and photography in Crimean and Boer Wars. Waterloo 1815 (Wellington); Balaclava 1854 (Raglan, Light Brigade).
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