How far did the composition of the English armies change between 1700 and 1900?

Learning objective – to be able to identify changes and continuities in the composition of Victorian armies. I can describe the key changes and continuities in the composition of Victorian armies. Grade 3 I can explain the key changes and continuities in the composition of Victorian armies. Grade 6 I can explain and assess changes and continuities in the composition of Victorian armies. Grade 9

What were the key components of the Victorian armies? Infantry – made up the bulk of the army and would grow throughout this period be the decisive part of battle tactics. Cavalry – Would slowly decline from 20% of the army to around 15%. Rather than used as shock troops they would be used for scouting and harassing the enemy. Became vulnerable to new weapons. Artillery – few in number – 5% of the entire army.

How far did the composition of the armies change? Continuity Key components of the army – infantry and cavalry did not change. The infantry remained the largest part of the army. A permanent standing army remained throughout the period. Artillery remained small. Change The rapid growth of the British Empire meant that more soldiers were needed. Artillery was a new addition to the battlefield. Cavalry were used to harass and scout. Governments became more involved in organising the army and finances.

How did tactics and strategy develop between 1700 and 1850? Limited warfare in the form of sieges and skirmishes were the norm rather than full-scale battles main because rulers sometimes led armies, Britain could not afford large losses and communications tended to be slow. Lines, columns and squares remained the dominant formations on the battlefield. However for the infantry, musket fire became quicker and more accurate while marching techniques allowed for speedy movement of troops. Lighter field guns made artillery more manouverable and flexible in their use.

How did tactics and strategy develop between 1850 and 1900? Developments in weapons meant that tactics became more defensive. Troops were happy to just sit there and fend off cavalry attacks with rapid fire and deep enemy positions. Leaders were slow to accept this and generals continued to send infantry into the face of overwhelming firepower. Governments became more involved and realised that the strongest armies would be the largest and have the most modern weapons. Therefore, investment and international competition rose. Also governments realised that long distance communications and transport allowed for armies to be able to operate effectively further from home. In particular, developments in rail, steamships and the electric telegraph enabled for this development to happen.

How far did the professionalism of the armies change? 1700 Many soldiers pressed for service. Marched or rode in bright uniforms. Infantry armed with muskets and bayonets. Support came from heavy, immobile cannon. 1900 Command structures now clearly defined and specialist regiments. Soldiers wore camouflaged uniforms. Transported into battle. New weapons led to specialist roles within the infantry. Long distance artillery and light field guns bombarded the enemy.

Why did tactics change? Weapons drove changes in tactics. There was now the need for musketeers and pikemen to act together as both were vulnerable for a number of reasons – Cavalry could easily ride down musketeers. Pikemen could stop a cavalry charge. Pikemen could be slaughtered by musket fire.

How did tactics change? The typical deployment of troops in the early modern period combined all types of soldier. Cavalry were placed on the flanks with musketeers in lines to fire in turns but when needed pikemen formed squares around the musketeers under attack. This had a number of advantages such as allowing for continuous musket fire in groups and pikemen in squares proved to be a strong defensive line.

Task – complete the table Continuity Change Components of the Victorian army Tactics and strategy Professionalism

Follow up questions What impact did weapons have on the changes in the composition of the army and the tactics they adopted between 1700 and 1900? What changed the most between 1700 and 1900 – tactics, composition or professionalism? Explain your answer.

Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain Draw an outline of your brain. Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.