This document consists of highly detailed notes and essay plans for questions that I guarantee you will be almost identical to the questions you will see in your exam. This document pertains to the topic of Change and Continuity in the British Experience of Warfare.
Thematic Aspects, c.1790-1918
2017 Paper - How far do you agree that the shift from sail to steam was the most significant
development in the conduct of war at sea during the years 1790–1918?
FOR:
Steamships were capable of higher average speeds.
They were easier to manoeuvre especially in inshore waters.
Once steamships were established there were rapid and frequent modifications and
advances e.g. the paddle wheel was replaced by the screw propeller and the engines
became more powerful.
There was the great advantage of not having to put into harbour in adverse weather
conditions, especially after the vast network of coaling stations was established to deal with
the initial problem of refuelling.
AGAINST:
There were significant developments in the organisation and supply of the Royal Navy during
the Napoleonic wars and the leadership of commanders such as Nelson showed the power
and effectiveness of the sailing ships.
The development of armour plated battleships, notably the Warrior, in the mid-19th
century.
The switch to oil powered engines produced great advantages.
The naval reforms of Admiral Fisher which created a more powerful and professional navy.
The development of submarines which added a new dimension to the war at sea.
The development of counter measures to submarine warfare.
2018 Paper - How far do you agree that developments in artillery transformed the British Army’s
effectiveness in the years 1815–1918?
FOR:
Artillery, e.g. rockets, were used in some campaigns in the 1820s, e.g. the First Burma war.
This had a considerable shock effect on the defenders.
In the 1850s William Armstrong introduced the breech-loading artillery piece which
increased the range, accuracy and rate of fire making artillery more effective.
The Boer War revealed the effectiveness of artillery and the British developed a railway
network to transport heavy guns and supply shells.
In the First World War major developments took place and the firepower, accuracy and
mobility of artillery made it central to tactical deployment, e.g. the creeping barrage.
AGAINST:
Wellington continued to have considerable influence on the British Army and artillery was
not central to his concept of war, so there was a lack of investment and development in this
area in the 30 years after 1815.
The Crimean War saw renewed interest in the role of artillery but this was not sustained
after the war when defence spending was cut back.
The British Army found itself specialising in colonial conflicts where more traditional infantry
and cavalry tactics generally proved effective in battles such as Omdurman and Tel el Kebir.
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