Bredth Study - Military Reforms Flashcards

1
Q

Regimental System

A
  • Failed to attract new recruits, army career unattractive.
  • Struggle to advance career and commissions had to be purchased.
  • Meritocracy gaining favor however.
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2
Q

Duke of York Reforms

A
  • 1795 to 1811 & 1811-20.
  • Voluntary to join army until WW1, needed to make career more attractive.
  • Conditions more bearable: rations and barracks were improved and penal code less brutal.
  • Sandhurst Military Academy to help train new officers.
  • Standard drills and manoeuvres introduced made training quicker and soldiers from different units fought better together.
  • Tried to reduce purchasing of commissions - free commissions based on merit increased. Certain ranks couldn’t be bought without proven military experience.
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3
Q

McNeill Tulloch Report Findings

A
  • 2 stages, 06/1855 + 01/1856.
  • Found death, disease > combat.
  • Caused by lack of fresh food and water, mostly due to poor distribution.
  • Army short of medical supplies.
  • 10/12/1954, limes (prevent scurvy) landed in Balaclava, but only distributed in 02/1955.
  • Lack of feed, 40% horses died winter.
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4
Q

McNeill Tulloch Implemented Change

A
  • Criticized supply and logistical solutions in the Crimea, blamed leadership.
  • Caused a shift in control of army.
  • Power in army was focused under government rather than the monarchy.
  • Rum —> porter, more iron.
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5
Q

Why were Cardwell Reforms Introduced

A
  • Generals favored tradition, didn’t want reform. Argued aristocracy produced Wellington, but now Lucan + Nolan.
  • Cardwell Secretary of War, European armies growing whilst England had only 125k active soldiers.
  • Economic prosperity meant recruitment was poor.
  • Army life was harsh + demanding, flogging and branding still forms of punishment.
  • Promotion system flawed. Officers paid for higher ranks, other European armies focused on meritocracy. Average ranks cost £450, average working man earned £40 a year.
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6
Q

Cardwell Reforms Changes

A
  • 1868 to 1874.
  • 1868, flogging banned.
  • 1871, branding abolished.
  • Purchasing of commissions was abolished.
  • Self governing dominions (Aussie, NZ) responsible for own security, 26k British troops returned (1871).
  • 1870, £2m invested to pay for 20k troops
  • Army Enlistment Act (1870). 12yrs serving –> 6yrs in active duty + 6yrs in reserves, 21yrs service = pension.
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7
Q

Cardwell Reforms Effectiveness

A
  • Took time to implement as culture changed.
  • Army = attractive career in economy uncertainty (1870s).
  • Soldiers pay still low. 75% of pay went to food, fuel and clothing.
  • Meritocracy only in WW1.
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8
Q

Why were Haldane Reforms Introduced

A
  • British army had proved cumbersome in SA, only won due to numbers + scorched earth policy.
  • Turn of 20th century, warfare changing.
  • New tech increased firepower.
  • New Tactics.
    Bright uniforms –> khaki/camo.
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9
Q

Haldane Reforms

A
  • 1905 - 1912.
  • Re-organize army into fully professional expeditionary force (BEF)(deployed overseas) and a territorial force (volunteers, home defense).
  • BEF investment budget - £28m.
  • 1913, looked to have 312k men, but actually had 236k serving.
  • 1914, 20k schoolboys + 5k undergraduates enrolled in Officer Training Corps. Following Army Order 178, standard set of regulations.
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