Wellington and the Peninsular War Flashcards
Name the 3 main key elements of Wellington’s character with examples
- Attention to detail for battle locations (Iberian geography = at Salamanca hills were used to shield the British)
- Keen eye for slackness among soldiers (called soldiers “the very scum of the earth” under his command)
- Strict discipline (discipline turned them into “fine fellows” who respected and trusted Wellington’s decisions; Wellington controlled him men easily = Cuidad Rodrigo and Badajoz he gained control of the army who began to rape and rob townspeople)
After the French defeat at Trafalgar, how else did Napoleon aim to bring down the British?
Continental System
- Napoleon hoped to bring Britain down commercially with the Berlin Decrees which forbid trade with Britain within Europe
- 1807: Treaties of Tilsit with Russia outlawed Russian trade with Britain
- Napoleon hoped Britain would economically starve and make peace but they didnt
- 1807: Britain banned trade with any ports complying with Napoleon and Navy was allowed to stop neutral ships who were suspected of trading with France
What did Napoleon do to cause the Peninsular War?
- In 1807 French troops gained control of Portugal and took control of Spain and Portugal
- 1808 = Napoleon removed the Spanish monarchy and placed his brother Joseph as leader of Spain
- Portuguese people felt alienated due to French arrogance and rebellion broke out and quickly spread
When did Wellington arrive in Portugal and with how many men initially?
July 1808 with 9000 men who were originally set for Spanish colony of Venezuela
How many reinforcements was Wellington provided?
5,000 merely a few days after arriving then 15,000 who set sail soon after
Due to the size of the army, Wellington felt he couldn’t lead the army. Which three senior officers took over?
- Sir John Moore, a Whig politician, who was held highly by Wellington and other ministers.
- Sir Hew Dalrymple appointed as the overall commander
- Sir Harry Burrard, a loyal Tory MP, who was appointed second in command
On 17th of August 1808, where did Wellington triumph and how many French troops were pushed out?
Victory at Rolica with 5000 French troops pushed away from strong stance
On 20th of August 1808, Junot advanced towards Wellington with 14,000 troops. How did Wellington prepare and what occurred in the battle?
Wellington positioned his army on the high ground. Junot attacked but Wellingtons light infantry protected British Lines that stood on the reverse slope of Vimeiro hill so artillery fire was less effective.
Following the Battle of Vimeiro when Burrard arrived, what did Wellington persuade Burrard to do and did he do it?
Wellington attempted to persuade Burrard to peruse the French after their loss at Vimeiro and make Junot to retreat to Lisbon unprotected by Burrard disagreed.
What was the Convention of Cintra?
Overall Commander Darlymple accepted Junot’s offer of an armistice agreeing that the 24,000 French troops in Portugal should be transported back to France on British ships
What happened following the Convention of Cintra?
Wellington, Dalrymple and Burrard were criticised and a military inquiry began which praised Wellington for being ‘highly honorable and successful’ and led to the sacking of the other commanders
As Napoleon captured Spain, how many British troops were evacuated from Lisbon?
10,000
What was Wellington’s plan to recapture Portugal?
- Dispatch 20,000 British troops
- Reorganize the Portuguese Army in line with British
Who was appointed Portuguese Supreme Commander?
General William Beresford
When did Wellington become Commander of the British Army?
April 1809
