warfare through time

Question 1

What was the weapons situation like in 1250

Answer 1

Cavalrymen fought on horseback – lances and spears

Infantry – swords, daggers, battle axes,halberds,brown bills, pikes. Some had bows and crossbows.
Chainmail hauberks and coifs for protection

Question 2

What was the continuity of weapons like in 1250-1500

Answer 2

Weapons used in hand-to-hand fighting
(e.g. swords, axes etc.) had not changed
that much by 1500

Despite development of cannon and
firearms, they were still not the dominant
force in warfare (short range, unreliable,
heavy to transport)

Question 3

What was the change of weapons like in 1250-1500

Answer 3

Pikes used differently (Schiltrons)
Longbows (much more power, higher rate of
fire, further range) became the dominant
force on the Battlefield (e.g. Agincourt)

Plate armour replaced chainmail although
not very effective defence against Longbow

Cannon developed across the period but not
used extensively

Firearms (e.g. Hackbut) were developed but
not really used widely before 1500

Question 4

What was the tactics and strategy situation like in 1250

Answer 4

Only Limited warfare was possible
Castles and fortified towns essential
parts of strategy.

Cavalry – mounted charges, rout and
chase

Infantry – shield wall, archers, melee

Question 5

What was the continuity of Tactics and

strategy like in 1250-1500

Answer 5

Limited warfare continued e.g. 100 Years
War (1337-1453).

Capturing and building castles continued

Cavalry charges, melees still key tactics
seen in battles

Question 6

What was the change of Tactics and strategy like in 1250-1500

Answer 6

New uses of pikes - Schiltrons (up to 2000 pikemen) used for defence and attack (eg Falkirk) increased power of the infantry and decline in mounted knight

Archers tended to travel on horseback so the whole army could move quicker

Archers used much more effectively in

defence – placed on flanks to weaken enemy charges

Cavalry now used as a more integrated part of the army, rather than an elite strike force acting alone.

Cavalry was a smaller, more socially different and more flexible force by 1500

Question 7

What was the Composition and Command of Armies

situation like in 1250

Answer 7

5,000-10,000 men

Infantry (common men) and Cavalry (nobility)

Command linked to social position

Question 8

What was the continuity of Composition and Command of Armies like in 1250-1500

Answer 8

Size of armies stayed similar (e.g. Battle of Lewes 1264 10,000, Battle of Bosworth 1485 12,000)

Command of armies still connected to status in society (e.g. King’s relatives or leading Nobles)

Question 9

What was the change of Composition and Command of Armies like in 1250-1500

Answer 9

Change in tactics and weapons (e.g. schiltrons and Longbows) meant less reliance on cavalry

Number of cavalry was less by 1500 (ratio of infantry:cavalry now 3:1 rather than 2:1)

As the feudal system declined, less cavalry were from the nobility

More mercenaries used as men-at-arms

Question 10

What was the Recruitment situation like in 1250

Answer 10

Recruitment via feudal system – most troops in 1250 were feudal knights. Assize of Arms also used. Like a form of taxation – wealthy men had to provide the king with military support Attitudes were changing and many
paid scutage or shield money instead of providing military service. The king often used this money to pay for mercenaries

Question 11

What was the continuity of Recruitment like in 1250-1500

Answer 11

Feudal troops still used up to 1350

Assize of Arms still in use by 1500

Mercenaries still used widely

Question 12

What was the change of Recruitment like in 1250-1500

Answer 12

Change in society (e.g. breakdown of feudal
system) meant that recruitment changed

Assize of Arms not very reliable

Payment of troops became more common
after 1300s

Many more soldiers within Royal Household
by 1500

Question 13

What was the training situation like in 1250

Answer 13

No permanent armies or barracks so very little training Anyone answering to an Assize of Arms was assumed to be competent in using weapons anyway For cavalry, most young men were trained in military skills and
horsemanship Men competed in tournaments and much was based around the culture of chivalry. Mostly based around the idea of individual combat rather than fighting in large disciplined groups.

Question 14

What was the continuity of training like in 1250-1500

Answer 14

No major changes – command, organisation and training of troops remained very simple.

Knights still practised combat at tournaments

Question 15

What was the change of training like in 1250-1500

Answer 15

Kings insisted on archery targets and practice in towns

Paid troops tended to be better trained – as the king was paying directly for them inspections of weapons and equipment more
common

Question 16

What was the Provisions situation like in 1250

Answer 16

Men were expected to bring their own provisions for first 40 days

Baggage trains sometimes followed the armies

Supply depots sent ahead occasionally Often armies resorted to demanding supplies from locals by either paying for it or stealing what they needed in enemy territory

Question 16

What was the continuity of provistions like in 1250-1500

Answer 16

Armies still often resorted to demanding supplies from locals by either paying for it or stealing what they needed in enemy territory

Baggage trains still used (often targeted by enemy as this could lead to starvation of army)

Question 17

What was the change of provisions like in 1250-1500

Answer 17

Became more important because:

There were more wars

Armies used more horses so needed more fodder

More weapons (e.g. men needed to be supplied with arrows)

Royal Armoury based in Tower of London provided arrows etc.

Officially ‘purveyance’ was introduced that should have given a fair price for supplies

Question 18

What was the experience of civilians situation like in 1250

Answer 18

Suffered threat of plunder from armies.

In home territory, armies might pay locals for supplies but in enemy territory, armies normally stole it

Feudal system and Assize of Arms for recruitment forced men to fight

Civilians joining the army could get good wages

Demand for wartime goods (weapons, armour, clothing) helped industries and citizens benefitted from good, secure wages

Question 19

What was the continuity of experience of civilians like in 1250-1500

Answer 19

Plunder/destruction of property still a problem.

Requisitioning food often impacted civilians

Feudal system up to 1300s and then Assize of Arms still forced men to fight

Sieges of fortified towns continued to impact civilians living within them.

Question 20

What was the change of Experience of civilians

like in 1250-1500

Answer 20

Cost of war began to impact on civilians more (tax)

More wars in this period lead to more raids that created fear and panic amongst civilians

Question 21

Why did falkirk 1298 happen

Answer 21

Part of Scottish Uprising - William Wallace rebellion against Edward I’s English

Question 22

What was the significance

Answer 22

Scottish use of schiltrons very effective against English cavalry

Edward’s use of Longbows proved to be the turning point in the battle

Question 23

Why did the Agincourt 1415 happen

Answer 23

Hundred Years War – Henry V of England tried to capture land in Northern France

Question 24

What was the significance of Agincourt 1415

Answer 24

Showed the dominance of the Longbow by the 15th Century French relied too much on cavalry Sieges also important in lead up to battle (Harfleur) Henry V’s military leadership – positioning of archers/men-at-arms

Question 25

What was the weapons situation like in 1500

Answer 25

Pikes used differently (Schiltrons) Longbows (much more power, higher rate of fire, further range) became the dominant force on the Battlefield (e.g. Agincourt) Plate armour replaced chainmail although not very effective defence against Longbow Cannon developed across the period but not used extensively – useful in seiges Firearms (e.g. Hackbut) were developed but not really used widely before 1500

Question 26

What was the continuity of weapons like in 1500-1750

Answer 26

Pikes still used extensively in 1500s Longbows still used in early 1500s Plate armour still used in 1500s

Question 27

What was the change of weapons like in 1500-1750

Answer 27

Artillery was used much more in battles – guns were much lighter and easier to transport. Also cannon were more reliable by 1750 1500s - English wanted to copy Swiss Pikemen (armoured helmets and back and breast plates) 1500s - Infantry units gradually became a mixture of pikemen and musketeers Hackbut replaced by matchlock musket by 1550s. Flintlock musket gradually replaced matchlock by 1700 Gradual trend from longbows to muskets in the 1500s due to changes in society (e.g. changes in farming, growth of towns meant that men had less time to practice archery) Cavalry armed with swords and pistols (mounted infantry – Dragoons) Armour gradually abandoned by 1700 Muskets also had bayonets attached by the 1600s which made them more useful in hand to hand combat – meant that pikes were no longer necessary

Question 28

What was the Tactics and strategy situation like in 1500

Answer 28

New uses of pikes - Schiltrons (up to 2000 pikemen) used for defence and attack (eg Bannockburn) increased power of the infantry and decline in mounted knight Archers used much more effectively in defence – placed on flanks to weaken enemy charges Cavalry now used as a more integrated part of the army,

Question 29

What was the continuity of Tactics and strategy | like in 1500-1750

Answer 29

Cavalry and infantry still used in combination throughout the period

Question 30

What was the change of Tactics and strategy | like in 1500-1750

Answer 30

From 1530s onwards, new fortifications were built to withstand cannon fire (thick, low walls, bastions, angled to deflect cannon fire) Development of infantry tactics using musketeers and pikemen together. (e.g in Civil War) Musketeers in line in front of pikemen at the start of battle to fire freely but if attacked they would form a square with the pikemen outside to provide protection from cavalry From 1540s, Cavalry were used to ride close to the enemy and fire pistols. From 1640s, they were used as ‘shock troops’ again

Question 31

What was the Composition and Command of Armies situation like in 1500

Answer 31

Change in tactics and weapons (e.g. schiltrons and Longbows) meant less reliance on cavalry Number of cavalry was less by 1500 (ratio of infantry:cavalry now 3:1 rather than 2:1) As the feudal system declined, less cavalry were from the nobility

Question 32

What was the continuity of Composition and Command of Armies like in 1500-1750

Answer 32

Armies continued to be a mix of cavalry, infantry and artillery Most generals were still from higher classes, particularly on Royalist side during the Civil war

Question 33

What was the change of Composition and Command | of Armies like in 1500-1750

Answer 33

Ratio of Cavalry to infantry changed all the time but with no particular pattern. Most generals wanted 2:1 (Infantry:cavalry) but this did not always happen. Successful soldiers given the command of the New Model Army during the Civil War – Cromwell, Fairfax Officers in NMA were given positions on merit, not because of social class

Question 34

What was the Recruitment situation like in 1500

Answer 34

Change in society (e.g. breakdown of feudal system) meant that recruitment changed from medieval period Assize of Arms not very reliable Payment of troops became more common after 1300s Many more soldiers within Royal Household by 1500

Question 35

What was the continuity of Recruitment like in 1500-1750

Answer 35

Militia system used in Tudor period (non-professional soldiers who can be called upon in time of need) Organised by Lord Lieutenants, with general musters every couple of years (Similar to the Assize of Arms)

Question 36

What was the change of Recruitment like in 1500-1750

Answer 36

Soon became apparent that system wasn’t effective More men ‘pressed’ or forced to serve as the period went on

Question 37

What was the training situation like in 1500

Answer 37

Kings insisted on archery targets and practice in towns Paid troops tended to be better trained – as the king was paying directly for them inspections of weapons and equipment more common

Question 38

What was the continuity of training like in 1500-1750

Answer 38

Early 1500s – little in the way of official training Poor standard of training continued through Tudor Period

Question 39

What was the change of training like in 1500-1750

Answer 39

Threat of Spanish invasion in 1580s lead to change – professional soldiers called Muster Masters ran training. Not that effective as many gentlemen didn’t like taking orders from ‘lower’ classes. Training improved in Civil Wars with the New Model Army – was paid regularly, trained by successful soldiers. New Model Army also continued to stand even after the war finished (1651-8) and played more of a role in politics than any army beforehand

Question 40

What was the provisions situation like in 1500

Answer 40

There were more wars Armies used more horses so needed more fodder More weapons (e.g. men needed to be supplied with arrows) Royal Armoury based in Tower of London provided arrows etc. Baggage trains carried soldier’s supplies

Question 41

What was the continuity of provisions like in 1500-1750

Answer 41

Requisitioning of goods and services by armies remained essential part of war Plunder of goods still common Baggage trains continued to be used Officially ‘purveyance’ was introduced that should have given a fair price for supplies

Question 42

What was the change of provisions like in 1500-1750

Answer 42

Free Quarter – armies would force communities to feed and house troops and would leave a signed receipt – almost never paid but the NMA normally did

Question 43

What was the Experience of civilians situation like in 1500

Answer 43

Cost of war impacted on civilians more (tax) Raids that created fear and panic amongst civilians. Vulnerable to plundering armies Civilians joining the army could get good wages Demand for wartime goods (weapons, armour, clothing) helped industries and citizens benefitted from good, secure wages

Question 44

What was the continuity of Experience of civilians | like in 1500-1750

Answer 44

Taxes continued to rise in times of war Fear of plunder remained a constant Men still forced to join armies

Question 45

What was the change of Experience of civilians like in 1500-1750

Answer 45

Civil War had a big influence on English civilians amount of fighting on home soil. More damage done to crops/houses during Civil War (about 55,000 made homeless)

Question 46

What's the background of the Battle of Naseby 1645

Answer 46

New Model Army recently created by Cromwell Royalists keen to prevent Parliament joining with Scots Met at Naseby near Leicester

Question 47

Why did The parliamentarians win the Battle of Naseby

Answer 47

Royalists were overconfident Parliament had more troops and were better trained and disciplined by now Royalists flee and Cromwell’s cavalry chased them back to Leicester, killing hundreds

Question 48

What was the leadership of the Battle of Naseby like

Answer 48

Cromwell (and Fairfax) were inspirational and effective leaders Cromwell had recruited and trained the best cavalry His leadership on the east-wing of the battle and in the cavalry attack was vital in tow key parts of the battle

Question 49

What was the weapons situation like in 1700

Answer 49

Artillery was used much more in battles – range of about 500 metres Could also fire grape shot and canisters Flintlock musket used by infantry in 1700 Cavalry generally armed with swords and pistols(mounted infantry – Dragoons) Muskets also had bayonets attached by the 1600s which made them more useful in hand to hand combat – meant that pikes were no longer necessary

Question 50

What was the continuity of weapons like in 1700-1900

Answer 50

Artillery continued to be a key weapon throughout the period Flintlock called the Brown Bess introduced in 1715 and used for over 130 years Cavalry had similar weapons in throughout 1700s Brown Bess continued to be fitted with a bayonet for close combat

Question 51

What was the change of weapons like in 1700-1900

Answer 51

Up to 1850 Industrial revolution meant that new techniques were deployed to make lighter field artillery – could be pulled by horses and used in a variety of ways Minie bullets and rifles from 1840s After 1850 improvements in science, technology and industry caused many changes: Improved cannon – steel, breech loading, rifled barrels, recoiling barrels, percussion shells by 1900, smokeless powder by 1890s Rifles – conical bullets, percussion bullets, breech-loading, magazines of bullets all significantly improved Machine guns – e.g. Gatling Gun form 1860s, then Maxim Gun from 1890s (up to 500 rounds per minute)

Question 52

What was the Tactics and strategy situation like in 1700

Answer 52

Infantry tactics using musketeers and pikemen together. Musketeers and pikemen used in lines/squares From 1640s, Cavalry used as ‘shock troops’ again

Question 53

What was the continuity of tactics and strategy like in 1700-1900

Answer 53

Infantry remained the dominant force on the battlefield Limited warfare remained the norm 1700-1850 Raids, skirmishes and sieges more common than battles

Question 54

What was the change of strategy and tactics like in 1700-1900

Answer 54

Improvement in musket fire and marching made infantry manoeuvres more rapid and gave generals more opportunities (e.g changing form lines, columns and squares more quickly as at Waterloo 1815) Artillery could also be moved more quickly and cavalry used more for scouting, harassing and skirmishing rather than frontal attacks After 1850 – improvements in weapons greatly increased the power of defence. This meant that cavalry charges and infantry lines became even more dangerous. Crimean War showed that the British were slow to realise this (Alma, Inkerman) Role of cavalry also diminished further (eg Balaclava) But Cavalry still seen as important in a ‘traditional’ way Government also changed strategy – larger army was needed and with transport and communication changes, armies could now operate far from home.

Question 55

What was the composition and command of armies situation like in 1700

Answer 55

Ratio of Cavalry to infantry changed all the time but with no particular pattern. Most generals wanted 2:1 (Infantry:cavalry) but this did not always happen. Successful soldiers given the command of the New Model Army during the Civil War – Cromwell, Fairfax Officers in NMA were given positions on merit, not because of social class although this did not last into late 1600s

Question 56

What was the continuity of composition and command of armies like in 1700-1900

Answer 56

Infantry still dominant force Cavalry still valued highly despite decline in effectiveness – Crimean War of 1850s 5 infantry divisions and 1 Cavalry Officer class still dominated by upper classes who bought their commissions rather than based on merit.

Question 57

What was the change of composition and command of army like in 1700-1900

Answer 57

Standing army of approx.500,000 men during this period. Grew larger in wartime but still smaller than European powers. Overall trend of slow growth Cavalry about 20% of army – in slow decline After 1850 – growth of army accelerated in late 1800s due to growth in the Empire. (250,000 by 1899) Cardwell Reforms - purchase of commission ended so officers were promoted on merit

Question 58

What was the recruitment situation like in 1700

Answer 58

Soon became apparent that system wasn’t effective Standing army was paid More men ‘pressed’ or forced to serve as the period went on

Question 59

What was the continuity of recruitment like in 1700-1900

Answer 59

Standing army created by 1700 and not much change over next 150 years. Pay remained the main incentive. Sometimes men recruited in inns (pubs) and during wartime criminals and debtors released from prison to join up Standard of recruits was poor as a result Militia Act 1757 (parish lists of men 18-50) could be used to pick men for 5 years service.

Question 60

What was the change of recruitment like in 1700-1900

Answer 60

By 1850s big problems with recruitment – the Crimean War exposed major problems, particularly with the quality of officers Cardwell Reforms made the army more professional – length of service lowered, reorganisation of regiments into local regions helped make the army more attractive Conditions also improved (rations improved, flogging ended) and purchase of commission ended so officers were promoted on merit

Question 61

What was the training situation like in 1700

Answer 61

Training improved in Civil Wars with the New Model Army – was paid regularly, trained by successful soldiers. New Model Army also continued to stand even after the war finished (1651-8) and played more of a role in politics than any army beforehand

Question 62

What was the continuity of training like in 1700-1900

Answer 62

Attitudes in society prevented change in training. Those in command thought that weapons training was a simple thing that could be left to individual officers so no overall policy

Question 63

What was the change of training like in 1700-1900

Answer 63

Manuals and Regulations issued in early 1700s but not widely used Royal Military Academy established in Woolwich in 1741 and the Royal Military College at Sandhurst set up in 1800. Many more training opportunities for cadets, officers and trainers gave the army a more professional feel by 1900

Question 64

What was the provisions situation like in 1700

Answer 64

Free Quarter – armies would force communities to feed and house troops and would leave a signed receipt – almost never paid but the NMA normally did

Question 65

What was the continuity of provisions like in 1700-1900

Answer 65

Requisitioning still sometimes necessary | e.g. ships often used to transport troops

Question 66

What was the change of provisions like in 1700-1900

Answer 66

After the awful management of supplies during the Crimean war of 1850s, changes were made to make supplying the army more professional – War Office took control of all supplies

Question 67

What was the experience of civilians situation like in 1700

Answer 67

Civil War had had a big influence on English civilians amount of fighting on home soil. More damage done to crops/houses during Civil War (about 55,000 made homeless)

Question 68

What was the continuity of experience of civilians like in 1700-1900

Answer 68

Militia Act still unpopular as men forced to sign up Requisitioning of wagons etc remained unpopular Taxation still a burden that increased in wartime

Question 69

What was the change of experience of civilians like in 1700-1900

Answer 69

Impact on civilians 1700-1900 relatively minor compared to experience of the Civil war in the 1600s No physical impact of war on civilians 1850-1900 But increased press coverage made people more aware of war and more politically active (e.g, wrote letters of complaint to newspapers about poor supplies of Crimean troops, pressure on government during Boer war) News of warfare prompted changes in attitudes in society from increased Imperialism/Jingoism in some to pacifism in others

Question 70

What was reporting and photography like in the 1700 to 1900

Answer 70

1815 (Waterloo) The Times circulation was 5000, by 1850 it was 50,000 Many more provincial papers by 1850 Russell wrote many reports on Crimea in the Times and Fenton photographed battlefields. Both of these men bought the Crimean War ‘home’, to make people more aware of war. Press coverage of Boer War 1899-1902 (correspondents, new popular papers like the Daily Mail) further increased the public’s awareness

Question 71

What was the significance of waterloo 1815

Answer 71

Wellington used a defensive position very effectively. Wellington deployed his infantry in squares (defensive formations a bit like Medieval Schiltrons) Exposed Napoleon’s indecisiveness and Wellington’s leadership

Question 72

What was the balaclava 1854 war

Answer 72

Crimean war versus Russia

Question 73

What was the significance of a balaclava 1854

Answer 73

The Thin Red Line of 93rd Highlanders and charge of the Heavy Brigade fought off the Russian attack Disastrous and unnecessary Charge of the Light Brigade achieved little with high casualties.Highlighted significant problems with the leadership (e.g. Lord Raglan) and tactics used by the British

Question 74

What was the weapons situation like in 1900

Answer 74

Improved cannons – steel, breech loading, rifled barrels, recoiling barrels, percussion shells by 1900, smokeless powder by 1890s Rifles – conical bullets, percussion bullets, breech-loading, magazines of bullets all significantly improved Machine guns – e.g. Gatling Gun form 1860s, then Maxim Gun from 1890s (up to 500 rounds per minute)

Question 75

What was the continuity of weapons like in 1900-present

Answer 75

Cannons, rifles, machine guns used extensively during WW1

Question 76

What was the change of weapons like in 1900-present

Answer 76

Change in weaponry was constant and rapid between 1900-45, largely sped up by the 2 world wars. Tanks, aircraft, motorised transport used mush more effectively as the C.20 progressed, leads to huge changes in warfare. Nuclear weapons transform conflict after 1945 (Hiroshima, Nagasaki) New bomber aircraft – e.g. stealth bombers, fighter jets, drones have made bombing targets mush more efficient and accurate Infantry weapons – assault rifles with laser aiming, telescopic sights

Question 77

What was the Tactics and strategy situation like in 1900

Answer 77

Improvements in weapons greatly increased the power of defence. This meant that cavalry charges and infantry lines became even more dangerous. Role of cavalry also diminished further But Cavalry still seen as important in a ‘traditional’ way Government also changed strategy – larger army was needed and with transport and communication changes, armies could now operate far from home. Trench warfare – used by the end of C.19 e.g. Boer War

Question 78

What was the continuity of Tactics and strategy like in 1900-present

Answer 78

Trench warfare continued in early part of C.20 Cavalry units still deployed at start of WW1

Question 79

What was the change of Tactics and strategy like in 1900-present

Answer 79

New weaponry meant a significant change to tactics and strategy: 1914 – 18 use of railways to transport masses of troops gave attack the upper-hand. Defences then dominate (machine guns, trenches, artillery) Use of tanks, aircraft eventually break the stalemate 1939-45 Blitzkrieg – tanks, aircraft and motorise transport give attack upper hand. Radar, fighter planes, anti-aircraft guns improve defence Aerial bombing of cities breaks the stalemate WW1 and WW2 are examples of Total War Since 1945 Technological advances changed the world and warfare - Nuclear weapons - High-tech equipment (satellites, infantry equipment, aerial support Wars now fought very differently – more asymmetric wars (powerful states vs ‘smaller’ states). Often leads to guerrilla warfare – very difficult to win

Question 80

What was the Composition and Command of Armies | situation like in 1900

Answer 80

Infantry 65% of the army Cavalry used for scouting 10% of the army Artillery 20% of armed forces Specialist troops only 5%

Question 81

What was the continuity of Composition and Command of Armies like in 1900-present

Answer 81

Still a relatively small army in peacetime Infantry still the most likely to confront enemy on the ground Bombarding enemy still a key part of warfare

Question 82

What was the change of Composition and | Command of Armies like in 1900-present

Answer 82

Army grew to unprecedented size during the world wars Size of regular army smaller now than 1900 (similar to size in 1840) Haldane’s reforms 1908 – restructured the army into Regular and Territorial Force (Territorial Army now known as the Army Reserve) Warfare developed significantly – proportion of infantry now only 25% Role that cavalry used to play has largely replaced by tank units Aircraft and tanks now share this role with ground artillery so the proportion of artillery troops has fallen (10%) 55% of army now specialist troops (e.g. Royal Engineers, Logistics Corps)

Question 83

What was the Recruitment situation like in 1900

Answer 83

Cardwell Reforms made the army more professional – length of service lowered, reorganisation of regiments into local regions helped make the army more attractive Condition also improved (rations improved, flogging ended) and purchase of commission ended so officers were promoted on merit

Question 84

What was the continuity of Recruitment like in 1900-present

Answer 84

Still reliant on volunteers in WW1 (initially)

Question 85

What was the change of Recruitment like in 1900-present

Answer 85

Conscription introduced from 1916 (initially all unmarried men from 18-41) 3.5m men conscripted 1916-18 Conscription introduced again September 1939, extended to men up to 51 and women 20-10 in 1941, and again to include women up to 51 in 1943 Conscientious Objectors were imprisoned or forced into a non-fighting role. Conscription scaled down after war into National Service (from 1948). All men 17-21 had to complete 18 months of military training, then serve in the Army Reserve for 4 years. National Service ended in 1960. Women accepted into army in both wars Separate women army corps ended in 1992, now serving on an equal basis (1/6 troops were female by 2008) Now a regular army of 85000

Question 86

What was the Training situation like in 1900

Answer 86

Royal Military Academy establish in Woolwich in 1741 and the Royal Military College at Sandhurst set up in 1800. Many more training opportunities for cadets, officers and trainers gave the army a more professional feel by 1900 Some training offered to Boer War recruits poor

Question 87

What was the continuity of Training like in 1900-present

Answer 87

Training of volunteers/conscripts during WW1 not that effective. Many were sent to war unprepared for what they were to experience

Question 88

What was the change of Training like in 1900-present

Answer 88

Level of training improved significantly over the C.20 Army now uses high technology equipment so training is very important. Army recruits sign up at least 4 years with 14 weeks basic training. Specialist troops train for a year or more Officer training lasts for 1 year.

Question 89

What was the Provisions situation like in 1900

Answer 89

After the awful management of supplies during the Crimean war of 1850s, changes were made to make supplying the army more professional – War Office took control of all supplies

Question 90

What was the continuity of Provisions like in 1900-present

Answer 90

War Office continued to supply the army until 1964

Question 91

What was the change of Provisions like in 1900-present

Answer 91

System of supplying troops in world wars quite efficient. Improvements in transport and communications mean that supplying troops became more effective in C.20 Ministry of Defence now oversees supplies

Question 92

What was the Experience of civilians situation like in 1900

Answer 92

Impact on civilians 1700-1900 relatively minor compared to experience of the Civil war in the 1600s But increased press coverage made people more aware of war and more politically active (e.g, wrote letters of complaint to newspapers about poor supplies of Crimean troops, pressure on government during Boer war) News of warfare prompted changes in attitudes in society from increased Imperialism/Jingoism in some to pacifism in others

Question 93

What was the continuity of Experience of civilians like in 1900-present

Answer 93

Press coverage continued to make people more aware of war

Question 94

What was the change of Experience of civilians like in 1900-present

Answer 94

More civilians enlisted and killed (700,000 in WW1, 450,000 in WW2) DORA – Defence of the Realm Act gave government unprecedented powers to control people’s lives Civilians became targets – 1414 killed in WW1, 40,000 in WW2 Rationing limited supplies, homelessness caused by bombing campaigns, evacuation of children from cities Home Guard (older men), Civil Defence (ARP wardens etc.), Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) Fear of nuclear war – constant throughout Cold War period Some benefits? Women’s position in society improved, significant medical development prompted by war (blood transfusions, x-rays) social reforms sparked by experience of war (education, NHS)

Question 95

What was the War reporting satiation like in 1900

Answer 95

Many more papers by 1850 Russell and Fenton bought the Crimean War ‘home’, to make people more aware of war. Press coverage of Boer War 1899-1902(correspondents, new popular papers like the Daily Mail) further increased the public’s awareness

Question 96

What was the continuity of War reporting like in 1900-present

Answer 96

Newspapers continued to report on War to keep people informed

Question 97

What was the change of War reporting like in 1900-present

Answer 97

Censorship (both enforced and self-enforced) was common in both world wars but censorship more difficult in modern warfare Propaganda used more effectively Changes in technology made a huge difference – radio, TV, satellite links Embedded journalists in modern warfare – live and work alongside soldiers and report directly from the front line Attitudes to warfare have changed in society – people more aware of the human and financial cost of war so generally less supportive of it

Question 98

What is the significance of the Battle of the Somme 1916

Answer 98

Massive British allied bombardment failed to do destroy enemy trenches. Attacking troops mown down by machine gun fire Went on for 5 months with a little ground gained. Seen as typical WW1 battle and Douglas Haig often blamed for the loss of life

Question 99

What was the significance of the Iraq war 2003

Answer 99

Shock and awe strategy by coalition was effective – preparation/air attack/ground attack. Example of asymmetric warfare – Coalition had more money and better weapons/technology War was dominated by high-tech weapons such as stealth bombers, smart bombs, cruise missiles, challenger tanks, drones