How far was the success of the British Army in the French Wars due to the role of Wellington? Flashcards
What was Wellington the commander of?
The allied forces in the Peninsular War in Spain and Portugal.
What was Wellington known for?
attention to detail and for picking Battle locations that gave him some advantage.
What traits did Wellington hold as a commander?
A keen eye for slackness among men, believed his army must be supplied from Britain, using the Navy rather than living off land. Aloof and a strict disciplinarian, always making sure his men were fed and equipped.
When did Napoleon Bonaparte begin a new campaign in Europe?
in 1805 after a brief period of peace
Who did Napoleon defeat after starting his new campaign in Europe in 1805?
Austria, Prussia and Russia and considered invading Britain, his last major foe.
What ended Napoleons hopes for a seaborne invasion of Britain after starting his European campaign in 1805?
Nelson’s victory at the naval Battle of Trafalgar in October of 1805
Why was Spain no longer Napoleons ally?
He angered Spanish patriots by replacing Spain’s king with his brother Joseph.
Why did the French army move into Portugal in 1807?
to prevent the British navy from using Portugals ports. Portugal was Britains oldest ally.
Where did Britain have an opportunity to take military action against France on land in 1807?
In Portugal and Spain where Napoleon had provoked a patriotic uprising and a guerrilla campaign.
Who arrived in Portugal with Wellington in July 1808?
A small force strengthened by 5000 Portuguese and extra British troops commanded by Sir John Moore
When did Wellington defeat the French at Vimeiro and who was leading them?
21st August 1808, led by Marshal Junot
Who was Wellington superseded by after Vimeiro?
The newly arrived commander in chief Sir Hew Dalrymple and his number two Sir Harry Burrard.
What deal did Dalrymple agree to?
The convention of Sinatra
Convention of Sintra
Allowing the French troops to be evacuated in British ships and to keep their loot
What did the Convention of Sintra cause for British commanders?
Annoyed Wellington, causing him to return to Britain and an official enquiry exonerating all three commanders but putting Wellington in sole command in April 1809
What was Wellingtons new challenge in the Peninsula after April 1809?
Moore’s foray into Spain had been checked by Napoleon who had briefly taken personal command of French forces there. Moore, outnumbered and his Spanish allies routed, had been killed during the evacuation of British survivors by the Royal navy from Corunna in January 1809
What happened for the British after Corunna?
It was a setback, returning troops were demoralised and half-starved, politicians complained about army failings, some wanted peace with Napoleon, people mourned the loss of Moore
What did Wellington embark on after Napoleon had returned to Paris in 1809?
A long arduous campaign (1809-1814), a war of invasion, retreat, sieges and attrition against experienced french generals in Massena, Marmont and Soult.
By 1812 he was in Madrid and then forced to withdraw into Portugal before going on the offensive in 1813 and invading france
What explained Wellington’s success on his long campaign (1809-1814)?
He had to use Iberian geography and his local allies: the Portuguese regular army, the unreliable Spanish army and the hard to control Spanish guerrillas
He has to maintain his own troops moral and readiness and rearguard action
Rearguard action
A defensive engagement by a small force of soldiers to hold off and delay a pursuing enemy while the main army withdraws.
What French strengths did Wellington have to neutralise?
Artillery, massed infantry and mobility with large formations or corps
After an artillery barrage, how would French infantry attack?
In columns, often creating panic
What did most of Wellingtons infantry soldiers have and how were they trained?
Mostly had single-shot muskets (Brown Bess which would manage four shots a minute) and were trained to fire volleys and reload rapidly.
Army had skirmishes, riflemen with new Baker rifle
What were Baker rifles like?
Took longer to load so only fired two shots a minute but more accurate over a great distance
What was Wellingtons preferred tactic and what did this mean for the French?
To position his infantry on the reverse slope of a hill out of sight and with some protection from enemy cannon fire. French infantry had to run uphill into volley musket fire from British, while rifle firing sharpshooters peppered french columns from the side.
What happened when Wellingtons preferred tactic of attack faltered?
British infantry with bayonets and cavalry could advance to complete the rout.
What were the Spanish like at the Battle of Talavera?
Ill-equipped and let down by incompetent leaders.
