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French War Flashcards

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1
Q

What was the main objective of the British troops during the Peninsular War?

A

To gain control of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).

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2
Q

Who commanded the British troops at the beginning of the Peninsular War?

A

Sir Arthur Wellesley.

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3
Q

What was the outcome of the battle at Vimeiro?

A

British losses were 720, French losses were 2,000.

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4
Q

What happened to Sir Arthur Wellesley after the battle of Vimeiro?

A

He was replaced as commander by Sir Hew Dalrymple.

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5
Q

What significant victory did Wellington achieve on 22 July 1812?

A

Wellington won an important victory at Salamanca.

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6
Q

What did Wellington accomplish in November 1813?

A

His army crossed into France and pressed northwards.

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7
Q

What was the significance of the battle at Vitoria on 21 June 1813?

A

Wellington defeated a 66,000-strong French army.

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8
Q

What was the outcome of the battle of Talavera?

A

Wellesley’s army defeated a 50,000-strong French army.

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9
Q

What was the key factor in the British success during the Peninsular War?

A

Wellington’s leadership was vital.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: Wellington never lost a _______.

A

battle.

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11
Q

What was the role of the Royal Navy during the Peninsular War?

A

To convey supplies and transport troops.

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12
Q

What happened to Napoleon after the entry of Prussian, Russian, and Austrian forces into Paris in April 1814?

A

Napoleon abdicated and was exiled to the island of Elba.

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13
Q

What was the significance of the lines of Torres Vedras?

A

A network of formidable defenses constructed by Wellington.

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14
Q

What was the main outcome of Massena’s invasion of Portugal?

A

Massena was forced to retreat into Spain, and Portugal was virtually free from French control.

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15
Q

What was the result of the battle of Waterloo on 18 June?

A

Wellington’s army held firm against Napoleon’s attack.

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16
Q

How many casualties did Wellington’s army suffer at Waterloo?

A

15,000 casualties.

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17
Q

True or False: Wellington was titled Viscount after his successes in the Peninsular War.

A

True.

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18
Q

What was the date range of the Peninsular War?

A

1808-1814.

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19
Q

What happened to Wellesley’s forces in early 1812?

A

They captured Cuidad Rodrigo and Badajoz.

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20
Q

What was one of the reasons for the British Army’s success over the French?

A

The British Army surpassed the French in every department - except numbers.

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21
Q
A
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22
Q

What was the status of the Royal Navy in 1793?

A

The navy was regarded as Britain’s senior service and was well prepared for war after maintaining a considerable number of ships at sea since 1783.

The navy’s strength had greatly assisted British success in previous wars with France.

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23
Q

What significant event occurred in 1794 involving Lord Howe?

A

The Glorious First of June, a battle where Howe’s fleet captured or sank seven enemy ships.

This battle involved a French fleet escorting a grain convoy from the USA.

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24
Q

What happened in 1796 that strained the Royal Navy?

A

Holland and Spain changed sides to join France, increasing the naval strain.

This shift created a more challenging environment for the British navy.

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25
Who were the notable captains aiding Admiral Jervis at the Battle of Cape St Vincent?
Horatio Nelson and Cuthbert Collingwood. ## Footnote Jervis's fleet was almost twice the size of the Spanish fleet he encountered.
26
What characterized ships of the line in the late eighteenth century?
They carried more than 70 guns and had crews of hundreds of men. ## Footnote These ships were essential for naval battles.
27
What role did frigates play in naval warfare?
Frigates, which carried fewer guns and men, were faster and engaged in patrolling, scouting, or conveying merchantmen. ## Footnote Their agility made them crucial for naval operations.
28
What caused the naval mutiny in April 1797?
Discontent over pay, quality of food, and brutal officers. ## Footnote The mutiny began at Spithead, where the fleet refused to put to sea.
29
What were the demands of the Nore mutineers?
They had far-reaching demands including the power of veto over officers. ## Footnote This mutiny was significant as it involved the backbone of the navy, the petty officers.
30
What two methods did the navy use for blockading enemy ports?
* A close blockade where the main fleet sailed near to the enemy port * An open blockade where the main fleet was in a home port or miles away at sea, while frigates patrolled enemy ports. ## Footnote Blockades aimed to prevent enemy ships from getting out to sea.
31
What was the outcome of the mutiny at the Nore?
The mutiny ended in mid-June when moderate sailors took control, leading to the execution of twenty-nine mutineers. ## Footnote The navy's discipline was restored following this turmoil.
32
What was the significance of the Battle of Camperdown in October 1797?
Admiral Duncan's North Sea Fleet destroyed a Dutch fleet, restoring the navy's reputation. ## Footnote This victory was crucial for boosting morale after the mutiny.
33
What was the situation for Britain's navy in 1797 despite the victory at Camperdown?
* French invasion remained a serious threat * A large French army and fleet at Toulon was preparing to sail. ## Footnote The outlook for Britain seemed bleak despite some successes.
34
Fill in the blank: The navy blockaded enemy ports from _______ onwards.
[1793]
35
True or False: The Royal Navy was unprepared for war in 1793.
False
36
What did the British navy rely on for its strength in naval warfare?
Discipline and teamwork, especially the ability to fire guns swiftly and effectively. ## Footnote These elements were critical for the success of naval operations.
37
What event led to Admiral Hood's abandonment of Toulon?
A French army forced him to abandon the port. ## Footnote Toulon was France's main Mediterranean naval base.
38
Who inspired men and fellow officers during the French Wars?
Horatio Nelson ## Footnote Nelson's leadership style was characterized by gaining the trust and affection of his men.
39
What was Nelson's hallmark as a commander?
Get in close to the enemy and let British gunnery do the talking.
40
What significant event took place on 1 August 1798?
The Battle of the Nile.
41
What was the outcome of the Battle of the Nile?
Only two French ships escaped; the Royal Navy regained control of the Mediterranean.
42
Who commanded the Baltic fleet sent to Copenhagen in 1801?
Admiral Parker.
43
What was Nelson's role during the attack on Copenhagen?
He was the second-in-command and led the attack.
44
What happened when Parker signaled Nelson to discontinue the action at Copenhagen?
Nelson ignored the signal and forced a truce with Denmark's Crown Prince.
45
What was the situation regarding naval power in 1804?
Spain allied with France, creating a combined fleet of 102 battleships against the Royal Navy's 83.
46
What was Napoleon's plan involving Villeneuve?
To evade Nelson, lure him to the Caribbean, and return to Europe to unite with other fleets.
47
What was the outcome of Nelson's chase after Villeneuve in April 1805?
He failed to catch up with Villeneuve and sailed home.
48
What significant battle took place on 21 October 1805?
The Battle of Trafalgar.
49
What was the strength of Nelson's fleet during the Battle of Trafalgar?
27 battleships, 17,000 men, and 2,148 guns.
50
How did Nelson's fleet achieve victory at Trafalgar?
By forming two divisions that shattered the enemy line.
51
What was the impact of the Battle of Trafalgar on the British Navy?
The navy was not seriously challenged by the French after 1805.
52
What trade action did Britain take in 1807?
Banned trade with any ports complying with Napoleon's Berlin Decrees.
53
What role did the British navy play in Spain and Portugal?
Transported troops and supplies.
54
What did British frigates do to European coastlines after Trafalgar?
Terrorized coastlines and tied down large numbers of enemy troops.
55
What naval conflict did Britain engage in from 1812 to 1814?
A naval war with the USA.
56
Fill in the blank: Nelson died of wounds received from a _______.
French sharpshooter.
57
What was the annual growth rate of Britain's economy between 1783 and 1802?
Nearly six percent ## Footnote This growth rate was greater than at any time during the previous century.
58
By how much did cotton production increase between 1793 and 1813?
Threefold ## Footnote This significant increase was part of the industrial growth during the war.
59
What was the increase in iron and steel manufacturing output during the same period?
Fourfold ## Footnote Reflects the advances in British industries during the war.
60
How many steam engines were operating in London by 1805?
112 steam engines ## Footnote This indicates the growing importance of steam power in British industry.
61
What impact did high wartime prices for foodstuffs have on farmers?
Created prosperity and encouraged investment in farming ## Footnote Farmers benefited significantly during the war years.
62
By what percentage did corn output increase between 1790 and 1810?
Over a fifth ## Footnote This increase was supported by the cultivation of common and wasteland.
63
Who managed the Board of Agriculture and Internal Improvement?
John Sinclair and Arthur Young ## Footnote Their leadership encouraged improvements in breeding and crop rotation.
64
What role did the City of London play during the war?
Provided funds for campaigns and subsidised allies ## Footnote Particularly notable support was given to Russia and Austria.
65
What was the National Debt in 1815?
Over £1 billion ## Footnote Reflects the financial burdens and expenditures during the war.
66
What canal joined the Midlands to London and when was it started?
The Grand Junction Canal, started in 1795 ## Footnote It became operational by 1805.
67
What was vital to the British war effort regarding trade?
Overseas trade derived from customs duties ## Footnote This trade was crucial for the government's income.
68
By 1815, how much greater was the value of cotton textiles exports compared to 1793?
Six times greater ## Footnote This highlights the significance of cotton textiles in the export drive.
69
What impact did Napoleon's Continental System have on British trade?
Trade flourished as new markets were found ## Footnote Despite the restrictions, trade increased in South America and the Caribbean.
70
What did the East India Company export to India and the Far East?
Great quantities of goods ## Footnote This supported Britain's war effort significantly.
71
What essential ingredient in gunpowder manufacture did the East India Company bring back?
Saltpetre ## Footnote This was vital for military production.
72
What was the critical task for British politicians and administrators during the war?
Translate the economy's wealth into an efficient military machine ## Footnote This involved increasing military production to meet wartime demands.
73
What role did the private sector play in military production by 1815?
Built more ships and manufactured more weapons than the state ## Footnote Private shipyards, foundries, and factories worked on government contracts.
74
By 1815, how was Britain's economy affected by the war?
Strengthened ## Footnote Manufacturing and mining industries thrived, and new markets opened abroad.
75
What military factor contributed significantly to Britain's success in the French Wars?
Military success ## Footnote Military success played a crucial role in Britain's overall triumph.
76
What was the role of the navy in Britain's victory?
Enabled Britain to escape invasion, expand trade, and prosecute the war ## Footnote Wellington remarked that maritime supremacy was central to understanding the war.
77
What was notable about the British army during the French Wars?
Performed well despite its relatively small size and was never defeated under Wellington's command ## Footnote Napoleon attributed his defeat partly to the Peninsular War, which drained French resources.
78
Which countries provided military assistance to Britain during the Napoleonic War?
* Russia * Prussia * Austria ## Footnote The support of these nations was critical for Britain's victory.
79
What was a key advantage of the British parliamentary system compared to Napoleon's dictatorship?
Proved better at waging war ## Footnote The parliamentary system allowed for more effective leadership despite frequent changes in government.
80
Who were some notable British wartime leaders during the French Wars?
* William Pitt the Younger * Spencer Perceval * Lord Liverpool ## Footnote These leaders played significant roles in managing the war effort.
81
What impact did the realignment of the Whig and Tory parties have on British politics?
Kept the Whigs from power for forty years except for one administration in 1806-7 ## Footnote Moderate Whigs joined the Tory government's side in 1794, influencing the political landscape.
82
How did Britain's economy support the war effort?
Economic strength underpinned the entire war effort ## Footnote By 1815, various industries were thriving, contributing to military funding.
83
What was introduced for the first time in Britain's history in 1799 to fund the war?
Graduated income tax ## Footnote This tax was part of efforts to raise funds for the ongoing wars.
84
What were some newly taxed goods and services during the war?
* Windows * Dogs ## Footnote At least 21 goods and services were taxed to support the war effort.
85
What reforms occurred in government after 1806?
Financial and administrative reform gathered pace ## Footnote These reforms aimed to reduce corruption and improve efficiency.
86
How did the British government maintain popular support for the war?
Through various forms of propaganda ## Footnote Newspapers, pamphlets, posters, and sermons were used to galvanize public support.
87
What was the general attitude of Britons towards the war?
Most supported the war due to fears of French invasion ## Footnote The willingness of the poorer classes to join the armed forces reduced the need for conscription.
88
True or False: The richer classes in Britain were resistant to paying increased taxes for the war effort.
False ## Footnote The richer classes were prepared to pay increased taxes and provide military officers.

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