Wars of the Victorian era

Intro The Victorian era was by no means a peaceful era with many wars fought throughout the whole world. They fought over trade, colonies and conquest It was also a time of great British national pride and as the British empire expanded citizens of London enjoyed spoils of war and increased trade.

Napoleonic wars Out of ashes of the French revolution Napoleon rose to power as emperor and set about conquering the world. After streaks of victory he defeated in Russia and later at Waterloo by the English.

Opium wars Fought in between the United Kingdom and the British East India Company against the Qing Dynasty of China. Chinese officials wanted to control the opium trade and confiscated supplies from British traders. United Kingdom crushed the Chinese forces.

New Zealand Land Wars The New Zealand Land Wars was fought over the right to own land by the Maori. This was a British victory and they confiscated lots of land.

Crimean war Fought between Britain and her allies (France, Ottoman and the Kingdom of Sardinia) against the Russian Empire. After the Russians invaded the Ottoman Empire Britain and her Allies fought against this. Britain yet again was the victor but the war exposed lots of errors in the army.

Rebellion Indian- Rebelled against the British Trading Company rule who were ruthless against the natives. Canadian rebelled against the British but the British won.

British Army Its three main roles were to maintain order in Britain, protect and expand the British Empire and to intervene in wars in Europe. Had three main parts- infantry, cavalry and artillery

British Navy After the Napoleonic wars Britain had the most powerful navy in the world. It was highly regarded and public opinion supported having a powerful navy. It had no major battles in the Victorian era though

Who they were Soldiers were men often recruited in pubs after a good drink though they were given time to reconsider. They were enlisted for life or for a period of 21 years. Officers were often rich as they paid to get a high rank but this stopped after the Crimean war.

Spoils of war. With all the expansion occurring and victories the soldiers were able to plunder spoils of war and London become a centre of trade and it’s citizens enjoying new cultures and exotic goods. Their eyes were opened to the world.

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