French Wars 1792-1815 Flashcards
What were the features of Wellington’s character
- Attention to detail
- keen eye for slackness
- supply very important
- believed in soldiers morale
Which area allowed Wellington to be protected from French
Lines of Torres Vedras (Rugged Landscape)
How did geography in Salamanca benefit Wellington
rolling hills - concealed troop movement
What was Wellington strict about, and how did this benefit Britain
-looting and spending too much time in brothels
- less resentment from locals
How did wellington boost morale
“scum of the earth” and believed in them
what did Wellington equip British forces with
- Brown Bess Musket
- consistent food rations
- quality training
What did Torres Vedras provide Briatin with
Protected supply lines from Navy
Whayt would Wellington choose rather than risk defeat
Regard Action - soldiers protect army in retreat
how many rounds could a brown bess musket do
3-4 (4 in the hands of an expert)
what was Wellingtons infantry trained to do
- trained to fire volleys + reload quick
- Skirmishes
What were Skirmishes
- provoked French to engage and direct them to elsewhere
- given Baker Rifle (longer range but longer reload)
What is the reverse slope tactic
positioning infantry out of sight with protection from enemy fire
When was the Reverse Slope tactic used
1808 - Vimeiro
1812 - Salamanca
1815 - Waterloo
What else did Britain have in case attacks faltered
Bayonets
When was the Battle of Talavera
1809
What did the battle of Talavera reveal
- Spain = ill-equppied + incompetent leaders
- Portugal = Reliable Ally
