Revolutionary And Napoleonic Wars

Question 1

War of independence 1776-83

Answer 1

In 1776 Britains American colonies rebelled and in the following war France backed the Americans which meant it had immediate support from the people but as Britain was overstretched by the war with Netherlands at the same time they faced a series of defeats slowly turning public opinion against the war.

Britains surrender in 1783 was humiliating but it also threatened to become an economic disaster as they relied so heavily on the Atlantic trade. However trade quickly recovered and Britain no longer had to pay for troops and ships so they survived.

Question 2

The French Revolution 1789 and Britains war effort?

Answer 2

The American war had cost France far more than they could afford which led to an unfair tax system and a rise in poverty. Deep class divisions also grew. All of these factors caused the revolution in 1789 where the monarchy was overthrown and aristocracy lost its power.

At first there was much sympathy for the revolution in Britain but as it became more radical and violent the British government and other European forces became increasingly worried and in 1793, Britain, Prussia and Austria formed a coalition against France intending to crush the new government and reinstall the old one.

Britains war effort:
In the early years the threat of a French invasion seemed very real but Britains navy yet again proved to be vital as it not only dominated many sea battles but it also blockaded French it ports and protected English merchant ships so British trade could continue.
British troops were not originally very involved in land battles but in the later years of the wars they became more involved particularly in key battles in Spain and Portugal 1808-1814 and British commander Wellesley emerged as the hero as he led Britain to a famous victory at Waterloo 1815 which ended the war.