Continuity And Change In The Army

Question 1

Continuity and change

COMPOSITION

Answer 1

1700-1850
A permanent standing army . With 50,000 men .
Only 20 percent where cavalry
Artillery formed 5 percent

1850-1900
Growth of british empire caused the sizes of the army to increase to 250,000
Governments where more involved with financing and organizing armies . This caused funding for armies to increase

Question 2

Changes in specialisation and professionalization

Answer 2

1700-Many soldiers still forced into service
Uniform was bright and full of colours
Infantry wielded bayonets and muskets
Support came from immobile cannons

1900-Structures were clearly defined with ranks and effective leadership
Uniforms were camouflaged
New weapons such rifle and machine gun were used causing separate divisions of specialised infantry
Supplies were transported using steam trains
Support was provided by long distance artillery

Question 3

Continuity on battle field

Answer 3

Cavalry-Still used for reconnaissance and harassing enemy however they were more vulnerable due to new weaponry such as rifles.

Officers where determined to keep traditional cavalry forces seeing change as an attack on privilege showing the importance of social attitudes

Infantry-still decisive factor in battle and the brown bess musket was used from 1715-1850.

Despite the introduction of new and deadlier artillery , those in leadership refused to change tactics and would send infantry against heavy artillery.
They still fought in lines columns and squares

One change in battle field was the use of rhythmic marching. It allowed soldiers to change positions quicker just by listening to the drums