Changes In The Military 1790-1918 Flashcards
What were the 3 reforms introduced by the duke of York to the military from 1790-1815
- ending the worst excesses of the purchase system (making the military more meritocratic)
- establishing a military college to improve the professionalism of the officer class
- creating light infantry regiments
Which war sought the McNeil-Tulloch report
The Crimean war
At what base did McNeil-Tulloch review the organisation of the military
Balaclava (the Crimea)
What was the outcome of the McNeil-Tulloch report
The commisariat was reformed and made more professional in 1858
What military reforms took place in 1856-68
A major barracks construction program was launched but little was done to exchange the appeal of service life
Why was service life poor in the years 1856-68
- soldiers remained poorly paid
* military discipline was harsh- for example, flogging had not been abolished until 1881
What did the Crimean war and Indian mutiny highlight about the military before 1868
It was inefficient in both its structure and organisation in comparison to powerful military forces being established in the German empire
Who was the Secretary of State for war between 1868-74
Edward Cardwell
What were Edward Cardwells reforms and what was their consequences
- short term enlistments were introduced (only 6 year engagement then a unit would join the reserves)- led to a loss in troops
- the purchase system was completely abolished (making the military more meritocratic and the first real attempt to change the social composition of the officers)- did in reality not alter the social composition of officer corps
- battalions were based on 66 separate districts across the country, one of the two would serve abroad whilst the other was based at home - the constant need for men to serve abroad put great strain on the home battalions
What was the cuase that prompt haldanes reforms to the military?
- government investigations into military planning, recruitment and army organisation of the boer war
- by 1905, Germany had established itself as a potential enemy
What were haldanes reforms to the military from 1905-1912
•exsisting military corps in schools and universities were reorganised into Officer training corps
haldane envisiaged a two-line army:
•an expeditionary force of 150,000 men
•a territorial force (volunteers, militia and the yeomanry) of over 200,000 men by 1913
What was the consequence of haldanes reforms
The value of haldanes reforms was shown in 1914 with the efficient mobilisation and performance of the British expeditionary force in the early months of WW1
What did General Douglas Haig sought to improve in The military in 1914
It’s preparedness by holding regular large-scale manoeuvres
What did Henry Wilson formulate for the military in 1914
Mobilisation plans (the preparation of railway timetables and shipping arrangements)
What had army officers underestimated at the start of WW1
The potential of the machine gun and thought that cavalry charges would win battles
In mid-1914 how many divisions were in the German army
84 divisions
In mid-1914 how many divisions were in the French army
66 divisions
In mid-1914 how many divisions were in the British army
6 divisions
By 1818, how many warships were left in commission
121 warships were in commission in 1818
In 1815, how many warships were in commission
713
What percentage of commissioned officers were on half pay in 1818
90%
Which war did paddle steamers demonstrate the effectiveness of steam powerd warships
The first opium war with China
What was a design flaw with paddle steamers in the navy
The twin paddles occupied too much room for an effective broadside
In the 1830’s and 1840’s did the British army rely mainly on steam or sail power’d ships
Sail power
When was the screw propeller first introduced
Late 1830’s
What was advantageous about the screw propeller compared with paddle steamers
The screw propeller was located in the stern of the ship therefore it did not interfere with the broadside
What was the first battleship fitted with the screw propeller
HMS Ajax
In 1853, what was the most powerful battleship, how many guns did it have and how fast did it go?
The HMS Duke of Wellington
131 guns
10 knots
Who was the first lord of admiralty in the year 1830-34
Sir James graham
What were the for reforms introduced by sir James graham
1) the amalgamation of the admiralty and the navy board which improved the navy’s administration and ensured less nepotism, bribery and corruption
2) all crew were to be skilled in gunnery
3) the system of automatic promotions ended-officers had to have 2 years experience at sea before being promoted to commander
4) the civilian run naval office was abolished and all aspects of supply were placed under naval control
Why was there a need to modernise the navy in the late 1890’s
Virtually all naval vessels had changed from sail and wood to steam and steel
These technological changes forced Britain to keep modernising its navy which was very costly
In 1889, what naval policy regarding naval strength did Britain adopt
Britain’s naval strength was kept Up to the combined strength of of the next 2 greatest powers
What was the 1898 German naval law and what was its consequences
The 1898 German naval law said that Germany would double the size of its naval fleet- this posed a threat to Britain’s superiority and thus its trade and sercurity
Who was the first sea lord in 1904-9
Admiral fisher
What was the selbourne scheme
Created by admiral fisher
All naval officers were to be trained in common. Later they could specialise in engineering, navigation or gunnery.
As these officers reached a higher rank, all would be eligible to command ships and for promotion to admiral
Why did admiral fisher create the slebourne scheme
To produce a more meritocratic officers and a less class-bound navy
In what year were submarines first built in Britain
1902
How many times cheaper was it to build submarines compared to battleships
25 times
What did the building of the dreadnought battleship spark between Britain and Germany
A naval race as the dreadnought was so powerful it made all other battleships obsolete
After 1793, how many men were in the navy
120,000
