reform in recruitment and training 1700-1850

• What was the time period discussed for recruitment and training reforms?

  c1700-c1900
• What role did the government and individuals play between c1850 and c2000?

  They sped up changes in recruitment and training
• What type of army did Britain have in 1700?

  A standing army
• How were officer promotions determined in the early 1700s?

  By social status rather than merit
• Who received high ranks in the army?

  Nobility
• What was the enlistment duration for other ranks in the army?

  8–12 years or usually 21 years
• What incentives were offered to recruits?

  Pay, subsidies, and tavern recruitment
• What issues did the army face in recruitment?

  Difficulty recruiting enough men
• Who were let out of prison to serve in the army?

  Marines, criminals, and debtors
• What methods did officers use to maintain control over recruits?

  Hard disciplinary methods
• Who was the Prime Minister that achieved army reform in 1868?

  Gladstone
• What was Cardwell's role in army reform?

  He proposed reforms for the professional army
• What did Cardwell's 1871 Regularisation of the Forces Act do?

  Reorganized regiments into regions
• How many linked battalions did each regiment have?

  Two linked battalions
• What was the purpose of the third battalion in each regiment?

  Made up of local militia
• What improvements were made to rations in the army?

  Rations were improved
• What practices were abolished in 1881?

  Branding and flogging
• What were the methods of recruitment during this period?

  1. Colonels’ regiments: Officers paid to set up regiments.
  2. 1757 Militia Act: Men aged 18–50 selected for local militia.
  3. Low pay for officers led to candidate surplus.
  4. Age and fitness standards were often ignored.
• What was the impact of the 1870 Army Act?

  Professionalised the army with trained soldiers
• What was the enlistment duration for lower ranks after the 1870 Army Act?

  12 years: six active, six retrained
• What happened after 12 years of service for soldiers?

  They could resign or re-enlist for pension
• How did officer training improve after 1850?

  More officers trained at the Royal Military College
• Where did artillery and engineering officers train?

  Woolwich Royal Military Academy
• What was established in 1871 regarding officer promotions?

  Promotion depended on merit alone
• What military schools were opened for training weapons instructors?

  • Military school at Hythe (1853)
  • Military school at Shoeburyness (1859)