French Wars 1793-1815 Flashcards
1
Q
How many men did Britain have by 1793 and why did the French have more?
A
- Britain had 40,000 men but the French had introduced conscription(which was seen as unacceptable in Britain) which led to them having more.
2
Q
What were the pros and cons of soldier life in 1793?
A
+ You got a signing on fee of £40(However most of it was spent on equipment).
+ Offered pay, food and shelter
- Pay was poor
- Death tolls were high(18,500 soldiers died in 1794)
- Most soldiers were from poor families and considered on the same level of criminals.
- Punishment was brutal. Flogging could go up to 1200 strikes in front of your fellow soldiers.
3
Q
How much of the army did the militia make up?
Why and how many men transferred from the militia to the army?
Who were the foreigners that fought?
A
- Militia made up 1/5 of the force and was made up of recruits selected by ballot.
- 74,000 men left the militia for the army as threat of home invasion increased between 1807-12.
- Also Hanoverian troops fought and by 1813, 52,000(1/5) foreigners made up the army.
4
Q
What were light and heavy cavalry?
A
- Light were men riding smaller horses with sabres usually used for escorting.
- Heavy were larger men on larger horses armed with swords.
- Wellington was generally unimpressed by the cavalry officers.
5
Q
What was the state of army officers and what were the opportunities?
What was a reform that prevented purchase of commissions to an extent?
Why did the army have to open its doors to wider society in 1814?
A
- Few Army officers had training, with most coming from the gentry such as wealthy fathers buying their sons a lieutenant position. Wealth mattered more than talent.
- However, it could be exaggerated as vacancies often went to the most senior person below and purchase of commissions were not present in Royal Engineers and the Duke of York reforms meant that you could only purchase commissions if you had served 2 years and in the Peninsular War only 1/5 of officers were through commissions.
- By 1814, their was 10,000 officers meaning that the army was compelled to open its doors and 1 in 20 working class men rose the ranks.
6
Q
How many men were in a battalion but why and how much was it reduced to?
What were infantrymen armed with and what were the cons?
A
- Each battalion was meant to have 950 men but with disease and illness it reduced to 550.
-Infantrymen were armed with “The Brown Bess” which included a lengthy process and could only fire up to 3 shots a minute and was very inaccurate. - British used a square formation.
7
Q
What were the issues with artillery?
A
- Horse artillery needed to be pulled by 8 horses.
- Artillery corps went through in depth training which limited expansion as it took time.
- Congreve’s rockets were a development however criticised for its inaccuracy.
8
Q
What happened at Vimeiro and when?
A
- Vimerio 1807
- Sir Arthur Wellesley was sent over with 15,000 troops and defeated the French.
- He positioned his soldiers on high ground(Reverse Slope) and waited for the French General Junot to attack.
- The tactic was perfect as the French had no clear target, showed knowledge of the terrain.
- French lost 2000 troops compared to 270 British.
9
Q
What happened at Corunna and when?
A
- Corunna 1808
- The new leader Sir John Moore tried to push the French back but was instead pushed back himself to Corunna where Moore was killed.
- This was not a disaster but a setback- 26,000 troops were killed and 7000 killed.
- Troops were demoralised and half-starved.
10
Q
What happened at Talavera and when?
A
- Talavera 1809
- Wellesley was given command in the Peninsular.
- They lacked money, shoes and supplies which slowed Wellesley’s play.
- The British joined the Spanish with the leader, Cuesta who lacked discipline and military tactics and his men ran at the sound of their own guns.
- Wellesley successfully drove the French back and defeated their 50,000 strong army at Talavera.
- The French attempted to stand firm but Wellesley was successful in pushing them back in which the French lost 7300 while British lost 5400. He knew after this battle he needed to be more defensive.
11
Q
What happened at Torres Vedras and when?
A
- Torres Vedras 1810.
- Wellesley had built defensive lines at Torres Vedras which forced the French further away from their borders. He had ordered these also as it brought supply in from the navy knowing he was going to adopt a defensive position.
- The British had 500 miles of safe space which were used to house the civilians who helped the British. They convinced Spanish civilians to scorch their land which made it extremely difficult for the French to use the land. Spanish civilians also were guerrilla fighters.
- Wellington disciplined his soldiers if they acted recklessly which help cement relations between the countries.
- The French had been stranded and men were dying quickly from starvation and supply. Due to losing lots of men, The French retreated and the British now controlled Portugal.
12
Q
What happened at Fuentes de Onoro and when?
A
- Fuentes de Onoro 1811
- Massena attacked the British unexpectedly here including Wellington and were lucky to avoid a disastrous defeat.
- They performed a textbook square formation withdrawal and ended with bayonet fighting.
- Massena was replaced after this.
13
Q
What happened at Cuidad Roderigo and Badajoz and when?
A
- Cuidad Roderigo and Badajoz 1812
- British forces were captured here.
- Wellington launched an attack to relieve them which involved siege work involving artillery.
- The aftermath of the battle saw violence, rape and looting which wellington enforced flogging on those involved.
- Wellington lost 5,000 men and was seen crying after the battle.
- Britain did not have conscription and knew these men’s lives could not be easily replaced. His professionalism gained him respect for those below him.
14
Q
What happened at Vitoria and when?
A
- 1813
- Wellington defeated a 60,000 strong French army.
- He was supported by the Portuguese and now the Spanish- he had 80,000 men under his command.
- He used the pincer motion from the front and rear which stopped the French from retreating
- The French abandoned wagons, carriages and only recovered 2 of their 153 guns. The Peninsular War restored the reputation of the British army.
15
Q
What happened at The Battle of Waterloo and when?
(Big one)
A
- 18th June 1815
- Napoleon escaped from exile and came back to France, where he led them into battle and King Louis fled back to England. The European declared war on France.
- Generals included Britain(Wellington), France(Napoleon and later Nay) and Prussia(Blucher).
- Wellington had 68,000 men and 156 guns compared to Napoleon’s 72,000 and 246 but with Blucher’s support Wellington’s army would be superior.
- Napoleon faced issues on the morning of the battle. He was unwell which meant he had to withdraw, he would be attacking uphill and the ground would be waterlogged which would cause delays for moving guns.
- The French attacked but were pushed back but the artillery led to some Belgian fleets to scatter.
- Wellington was on the move constantly directing orders while Napoleon was static and Ney was occupied with cavalry.
- Wellington moved his troops out of artillery range which Ney thought they were retreating, where he sent the cavalry in but led to them being slaughtered.
- Napoleon, returned back to find his cavalry had been wasted and that the Prussian’s had joined the battle.
- Marshall Grouchy, had been given 30,000 soldiers to prevent Prussian arrival but failed and the battle was over.
16
Q
What were some examples of Wellington’s good leadership and tactics?
A
- His use of the reverse slope at Vimerio proved very effective. Demonstrated his expert knowledge in map reading and terrain.
- At Torres Vedras he had 500 miles of safe land which firstly he used to help good relations with Portuguese civilians where they scorched land but also for Naval supply to keep him soldiers well fed.
- He was active on the frontlines unlike his enemies.
- Was a strict disciplinarian but also took care of his soldiers which gained respect such as him wheeping at Cuidad Roderigo and Badajoz 1912.
- Used Prussia’s allied support perfectly. Also trained Spanish and Portuguese army to improve quality.
17
Q
Why was the quality of the Navy so important to Wellington?
A
- Wellington’s focus on supply could only work effectively with the high quality navy.
- They supported the army with supply and transporting soldiers. Torres Vedras would have definitely been out of the question.
18
Q
Why was the British government important to Wellington’s success?
A
- The British government trusted and supported Wellington’s leadership and allowed him full control of fighting.
- The British economy did unusually well for a country at war which enabled them to increase production for war.
- The British had also funded coalitions with countries like Austria and Prussia which were found valuable.
19
Q
What were the two blockades used in Naval Warfare?
What did most ships have in terms of gunnery?
A
- Close blockade-where the main fleet sailed near the enemy port.
- Open Blockade- Main fleet was in a home port and frigates patrolled the coast off the enemy port. If the enemy went to sea the frigates would inform them.
- Most ships carried 32 pound guns using 32 pound cannon ball. It was manned by 7 men with a gun captain.
- The battle was ultimately won by who would shoot faster. The British could shoot one every 1 and a half minutes-much faster than enemies.
20
Q
What was the state of Naval Officers?
A
- Many were rich and relatives of seamen.
- Family ensured that some officers were fast-tracked such as Horatio Nelson
- Sailors could join as young as 15 in which they learned the ropes and were educated, had lots of experience while the French didn’t.
21
Q
What was the methods of recruitment by the navy?
A
- Britain did not introduce conscription so relied on impressment.
- Press gangs were sent out to round up suitable men around ports between the age of 15-55.
- By 1805, half of the royal navy was pressed men.
- Also used the Quota System where each county had to make up a number reflective of their population in which counties gave criminals the option to do this instead of prison time.
22
Q
What were some naval reforms?
A
- Due to the defeat at the American War of Independence, the British navy felt they needed reform. William Pitt had a good relationship with Comptroller of the Navy and introduced:
1. Dockyards were more closely supervised to reduce waste.
2. Responsible for coppering(copper used on ships to prevent wear and tear)
3. Massive stocks of timber and rope built in.
4. New docks constructed in Plymouth.
23
Q
What were the naval conditions on ship?
A
- Able bodied seamen in 1793 were paid half the amount of merchant seamen, the conditions were poor and pay increases were infrequent.
- Sailors slept in small 14 inch hammocks.
- Food was plentiful but was monotonous but sailors did eat a lot of fruit and vegetables to prevent scurvy.
- Work was physically demanding.
- Discipline was harsh(Flogging)
- Seamen could be at sea for years and their main hope was capturing an enemy ship and using it for prize money(It was sold and shared)
24
Q
What was naval discipline like?
A
- The foundations of the navy were in the discipline and teamwork of thousands of seamen.
- It was difficult to ensure new recruits and pressed men into accepting complete obedience but was needed to keep the ship safe.
- Officers either tried to get them on board with threatening punishment while others like Nelson tried to win his men over.
25
What was The Battle of the Nile and when was it?
- 1798
- Napoleon sailed into Egypt with almost 50,000 men.
- Nelson was unaware of this but he knew that after the French took Malta. Egypt was next.
- The French and British met at the mouth of the Nile, they had the same number of ships but the French had one exceptionally large 120 gun ship and two 80 guns ships while the British only had 74s.
- Although it was against naval warfare rules, Nelson attacked at night, he went around the port-side of the ships and attacked the French from both sides and the superior British gunnery devastated the French.
- The 120 gun ship(The Orient) had been ablaze for 30 minutes and then exploded and only 2 of the 13 ships escaped.
- It was a stunning victory as the British took control of the Mediterranean in one night and Napoleon was trapped in Egypt.
- Nelson made sure to inspire and not overcomplicate the orders.
26
What happened at The Battle of Copenhagen and when?
- 1801
- The Russians were putting pressure on the Danes to put pressure on the British and were effecting trade by blockading ports which led to the battle.
- They had to attack in a narrow and shallow area of water.
- Admiral Parker sent a signal for the British to pull back the ships but Nelson looked through his telescope with his blind eye and declaring he did not see the signal. If Nelson would've obeyed the battle would have been a diasaster.
- Nelson sent a letter to the Danish king that if he did not cease he would bomb the batteries and not rescue any Danish prisoners.
- Nelson replaced Parker.
27
What was the Blockade of Toulon and when?
- 1803-05
- Nelson given command of the Mediterranean fleet.
- HMS Victory became his flagship and did not leave her for over 2 years.
- His main task was to keep watch of the French fleet as Napoleon was gathering an army of 100,000 men to invade Britain.
- He let his men roam around to stop the boredom.
- The British were at sea for two years monitoring the French. They would go to friendly ports to gather supplies and was when Nelson needed to focus most.
28
What was the Chase of Villeneuve and when?
- 1805
- Napoleon's plan was for his Vice Admiral Villeneuve to lure Nelson across the Atlantic and lose him. This would allow Napoleon to then focus on invading Britain without worrying about the navy.
- Villeneuve left and Nelson gave chase, he had 18 ships compared to Nelson's 11.
- Villeneuve ship was intercepted by Sir Robert Calder's fleet but he escaped and faced backlash.
- Napoleon's plan failed as Calder had forced them to go a different way and not meeting up with the French Fleet.
29
What happened at The Battle of Trafalgar and when?
- 1805
- Nelson again hoped to lure Villeneuve out of his port.
- He inspired his officers by including them in decision making and telling them to get into battle quickly and not firing from miles away.
- Villeneuve gave chase again. He had 33 battleships with 30,000 men compared to Nelson's 27 and 17,000.
- Villeneuve had his fleet line up while Nelson split his into two divisions, the other led by Collingwood in the Royal Sovereign.
- Due to poor aim the British advanced and Collingwood got to enemy lines first and he was on the quarterdeck(the most exposed part of the ship) and he opened fire.
- Nelson on the other hand had previously taken heavy fire with 50 men lost and sails destroyed.
- The British gunnery devastated the French at close quarters.
- Nelson was shot through the shoulder by a sharpshooter and taken below deck.
- Nelson reassured his men by saying he was "very well" and hid his medals when he was shot to not alert his men.
- The British took 18 ships and not one British ship was lost which showcased the British navy and cemented Nelson as a national hero in which the French never threatened the British at sea again.
30
What were some features of Nelson's leadership and tactics?
- Even after losing an arm and an eye Nelson still continued as a respected fighter amongst his men.
- As a commander he believed in gunnery and boldness, doing gunnery practice every day and leading his men onto ships for hand to hand combat.
- He often led on the quarterdeck showing he would not ask them to do something he wouldn't do.
- He spoke openly with his officers sharing his plans which increased his popularity amongst them and made them feel included which increased morale.
- He called his sailors "band of brothers" which instilled a sense of service and loyalty.
- He didn't shy away from breaking naval warfare.
31
How were the British technologically superior at sea?
- In 1793, the Navy had ships at sea for months on end as its logistics were strained and administrative problems with dockyards being in poor condition also and repairs were often not made.
- Operating in squadrons proved successful as it was naval superiority that prevented Napoleon launching an invasion on Britain It allowed Britain to outwit the continental system by allowing trade to take place all over the world.
- The system of coppering helped make sure Britain had enough quality ships at its disposal.
- Gunnery was a beloved tactic of Nelson's but it was something the navy asked of every admiral every day.
32
Were the British navy well funded and who by?
- Pitt the Younger was the PM and was pro war and pro Nelson.
- This meant the navy were directed to keep fighting and the government funded the increase in ships and opened more dockyards to keep up with demand.
- The Navy's ability to grow was colossally on the government.
33
Why was William Pitt the younger and the government so effective in the French Wars?
- Pitt was fundamental in the creation of the coalition who proved essential for the British.
- The brilliance of Portland's staff under him such as sec of war and foreign sec were effective but later fell out and resigned.
- Spencer Perceval took over as PM following Portland's death in 1809 and managed to keep a fragile government together and supported the British in the Peninsular.
34
How did the government finance the war?
- At least 21 goods and services were taxed during the war such as beer and salt.
- Over the 22 years of war, taxes of spirits yielded £51 million.
- In 1799, Pitt introduced income tax for the first time ever, it was immensely unpopular but raised £155 million by 1815.
- No other country, including France had an economic system like it. Government spending was 85 million with 43 million on the army.
35
What was military production like?
- Throughout the war, the government had its own establishments which manufactured warships, weapons and gunpowder.
- Private sector was crucial in helping them as they underwent government contracts, producing more than the government. Since ships were wooden, they often needed refitting which was high maintenance.
- By 1815, more than 3/4 of Britain's shipwrights were held in the control of the private shipyards.
- Private contactors also took control of the food industry.
36
What was industry and trade like?
- British economy grew at an annual rate of 6%- a greater rate that any other during the previous century.
- Steam power was being implemented into manufacturing.
- High wartime prices created prosperity for farmers and encouraged investment in farming.
- British trade expanded with merchant ships increasing from 14,500 in 1793 to 22,000 by 1815.
- British trade flourished in countries like India and China.
