Depth 1: The French Wars (Wellington) Flashcards
When were the French Wars?
1793-1815
What was Wellington like as a commander?
Had attention to detail and a keen eye for slack soldiers. Believed in discipline and was aloof and cold. But men respected him as he made sure they were well-fed and equipped.
Wellington called the soldiers the “scum of the earth”, but noted they had become “fine fellows.”
What happened at Corunna and why was it a setback for the British?
Sir John Moore, a fellow British commander, had been killed after his troops were outnumbered as they were evacuating. This demoralised many civilians and soldiers, and politicians criticised the army’s failings.
What were the strengths of the French Army?
Artillery
Massed infantry
Mobility with large formations/corps.
What was ‘rearguard action’?
Used by Wellington. He would leave a small number of soldiers to hold off the enemy as the main army retreated. Prevented the risk of defeat.
What does ‘Torres Vedras’ refer to?
Defensive earthworks and forts built to protect the British supply lines, so they could easily receive supplies through the Royal Navy.
Created during the winter of 1809-10. The British were safe behind the lines while the French Army starved due to the British policy of ‘scorched earth.’
What is the square formation, and how was it used at Fuentes de Oñoro in 1811?
Square formation is where the infantry fix bayonets and stood in a square, attacking outward from all angles. It can be used to move men, although it is slow in this regard.
It was used in Fuentes de Oñoro to save the 7th Division, who were caught in the open by the French.
What were some examples of Wellington’s care for the army?
Refused to hang looters after Cuidad Rodrigo and Badajoz, likely due to losing 5,000 men. Was seen weeping after this.
Insisted on delivering orders in person and was constantly in the saddle.
Often slept in his clothes with his boots beside him and his horse saddled.
What happened as a result of the victory at the Battle of Salamanca in 1812?
The French fell back to Vitoria. The French retreat ended the war in Spain. In 1814, Wellington invaded southern France.
What happened at the battles of Quatre Bras and Ligny in 1815?
Quatre Bras - Wellington held position against Marshal Ney.
Ligny - Prussians lost to Napoleon and pulled back. Wellington also withdrew.
What problems plagued Napoleon on the morning of the Battle of Waterloo?
He was sick, and couldn’t sit on his horse.
His men would be attacking uphill.
The ground was waterlogged so the French guns were delayed until 11am, rather than starting at first light.
What mistake did Marshal Ney make, turning the battle in the British’s favour?
Wellington moved his troops back out of artillery range. Ney thought they were retreating, so he pursued with the Army. The British went into square formation and laid the French cavalry to waste.
What was arguably the final blow for the French?
The Prussians entered the battle, and Napoleon gave the order for his Old Guard to try and break the British line. The Old Guard broke first, however, due to Wellington’s order of a bayonet charge.
