Battle of Waterloo Flashcards
When was the Battle of Waterloo?
1815
Give 2 reasons why the British had the better position
Men were positioned just behind ridge to protect them from artillery
Narrow (3 miles across)
Why was the battle delayed?
Because of heavy rain the previous night made the ground too muddy
What starts at 1pm?
The French ‘Grand Battery’
What do the French do first?
Launch a massive infantry attack down the British centre
How do the British repel the first French infantry attack?
By a cavalry charge from behind the ridge which catches the French by surprise
What happens to the cavalry after they repel the first French infantry attack
They go too far and end up slaughtered
What does Napoleon do to slow down the Prussians?
Peels of soldiers form the front to face the threat
What is Napoleon’s second move of the battle?
To launch a massive cavalry charge at the British infantry
How do the British infantry hold firm against the French cavalry charge?
Form squares
What mistake do the French make when charging the cavalry?
They do not send artillery in support
What do the Prussians do when they arrive at the battlefield?
Attack the French right flank
What does Napoleon do in a last ditch effort to win the battle?
Charge the imperial guard at the thin, brittle centre of the British line
