Warfare Through Time 1850-1900 Flashcards
How did the size of armies change during 1850-1900?
As the British empire grew, more troops were needed abroad so the growth of the army accelerated from 115,000 to about 250,000.
What was the composition of the army like in 1850-1900?
Cavalry continued, even thought new weapons, like rifles and machine guns, made it vulnerable. It was important for scouting and gave an early warning for the presence of the enemy.
How did the cannon become improved? (6)
> Made from STEEL - more durable than iron and bronze - less likely to explode
Quicker to reload - put the ball from the back end - 2 round per min to 10 round per min
Improved range - up to 5 km (rifled artillery)
Recoiling barrels - cannons itself stayed in position - quicker refiring
Smokeless powder - did not impair aiming
More powerful
What was the early rifle like?
They were muskets with a rifled barrel - invented in the 1500s. They were difficult to load because it was harder to force shot down the barrel.
Describe the improvements made to the early rifle. (4)
- Minié bullets - small bullets dropped individually down the barrel. Bullets expanded on firing and came in contact with the rifle. Made bullets fly further with rifle - up to 300m
- Conical bullets - long and torpedo shaped - flew even further
- Percussion bullets - Percussion bullets ended reliance on flint, powder and sparks. Made loading easier and more reliable in damp weather
- Breech-loading - pushing bullets into the bottom of the barrel through the side of the rifle. Made reloading 4x quicker than muskets.
Describe the development of machine guns in 1850-1900.
The Gatling gun and the mitrailleuse were cannon with 25 rifle barrels, which rotated inside the cannon barrel. They fired 150 rounds per minute up to 2,000 metres but they were very heavy. Maxim machine guns were lighter (only about 20 kg) and could easily be moved into position by men. They were fed bullets from a belt and fired 500 rounds per minute. They were adopted by the British Army in 1889. However, machine guns had their main impact on British armies after 1900.
How did Industrialisation change warfare?
The Industrial Revolution improved the production of metal. Industrialists were able to find ways to mass producing cheap metals. This made it possible to make better, cheaper weapons.
How did scientific progress influence warfare?
Development of fulminate of mercury created the explosive that made percussion bullets available. Alfred Nobel’s invention of nitroglycerine allowed smokeless powder for rifles and cannons. This meant that they could be fired without giving away their position and attracting fire from the opposition.
How did technology influence tactics?
Rifles and machine guns dramatically increased the power of defence. This meant that tactics such as cavalry charges or infantry lines advancing on the enemy became very dangerous. The enemy could just sit in defensive positions and destroy oncoming troops with long-distance, rapid, small-arms fire. However, armies all over Europe were slow to learn this lesson.
Why did the cavalry remain a part of the army?
> Used for other roles such as scouting.
Attitudes in society - It was a valued tradition. Many leaders in the army had been in the cavalry and kept for emotional and illogical reasons
Why did governments change their strategies?
- Realised that the strongest armies are the biggest with the most modern weapons. The size and cost of armies rose rapidly.
- Strategist realised that armies could work further from home. Long-distance transport and better communication made this happen.
Describe the use of steam-powered transport in 1850-1900
> Steam-powered trains meant that troops arrived 15 times faster than marching and also arrived fresher. It could also deliver supplies quickly as well
Steamships meant that men, weapons and supplies could be delivered a lot faster than usual.
How did communication enable armies to work further from home?
The electric telegraph sent messages over long distances, instantly, along electric wires. Ministers could discuss strategies with generals on campaign.
How did the increase in reporting of the war affect civilians?
The increase of reports due to the electric telegraph enlightened the public about the suffering endured by the soldiers and the conditions that they are in. In one case, it caused public outrage leading to the resignation of the PM and his government
How did requisitioning affect civilians in 1850-1900?
This declined in this period as the building of purpose built barracks took the need away from demanding goods and services from the population. The building of barracks was slow but rapidly increased during the Napoleonic Wars. Although, the need to billet soldiers in local inns and towns did continue and led to rowdy behaviour that upset the locals.