Effect Of The Napoleonic War Flashcards
When did Britain resume war against Napoleonic France?
May 1803
What did the return to war require?
The resumption of the mass enlistment
- due to fears of a Napoleonic invasion
How were fears of the invasion downplayed?
In satirical prints that mocked Napoleon’s size and strength
What has historian Linda Colley argued?
British identity was forged in these years
What did men do?
They were involved with training at local volunteer forces
What did women do?
Found an outlet for patriotic or charitable impulses in the campaign to make uniforms for the troops
- while others enjoyed the social whirl that surrounded army camps
Jane Austen’s pride and prejudice
Captured the heady mix of danger and glamour that military men in their dashing brightly coloured uniforms could bring to a sleepy market town
- this mood echoed in numerous popular ballads and in regular reports of soldiers elopements with local girls
What did a fascination with military men fuel?
A market in commemorative goods, especially of Nelson and Wellington
- elaborate illustrated battle histories, toys and military-influenced fashions
What was British culture previously suspicious of?
Land armies but the glamorisation of soldiers helped to encourage enlistment at a time when it was very much needed
What did the increased enthusiasm for the military demonstrate?
The army’s power both the the enemy and to discontents at home
Why was the Duke of Wellington against the recruitment of married men?
Thought it would ‘leave their families to starve’
Despite in miserable economic circumstances
Many husbands and fathers felt they did not have much choice and their wives and children were forced to rely on their own work or the support of the Parish
What were the later years of the Napoleonic wars characterised by?
Strikes, riots and Luddism
