Changes in organising the military

• Why was it thought necessary to change the army during the years 1790-1918?

  To improve the organization and efficiency of the army.
• What were the key moments that prompted reforms in the British army during the 19th century?

  • Peacetime lull after the French Wars
  • Steady expansion of European armies
  • Inefficiencies in the army structure
• What was the regimental system in the British army?

  It was an organizing principle that provided servicemen with home barracks and allowed for efficient administration.
• How did the regimental system affect recruitment in the British army?

  It made it difficult to attract new recruits due to the unattractiveness of army life compared to factory work.
• What factors made a career in the army less attractive in the 19th century?

  Factory work offered better pay, and the possibility of being posted to unpopular regiments deterred recruits.
• What was the perception of the regimental system among traditional military thinkers?

  Many believed it was fit for purpose for a peacetime army.
• How did Victorian sensibilities affect recruitment in the British army?

  There was a stigma against recruiting convicted criminals, which had previously been a source of manpower.
• What was the impact of the Crimean War on perceptions of the British army?

  It revealed that the British army was not as effective as it had been during the Napoleonic Wars.
• What did the success of the Prussian army highlight about the British army?

  It highlighted the poorer quality of British leadership compared to the highly professional Prussian officer corps.
• What were the changes in munitions during the 19th century?


  • Transition from muzzle-loading muskets to breech-loading rifles
  • Increased rate of fire and need for more ammunition
  • Development of machine guns and high explosive shells
• What was the main weapon for infantry during the Battle of Waterloo?

  The Brown Bess musket.
• How did the reloading speed of weapons change during the 19th century?

  Reloading became faster with the introduction of breech-loading rifles.
• What was the significance of the McNeill-Tulloch Report in 1855?

  It highlighted the poor conditions of soldiers and the inefficiencies in supply during the Crimean War.
• What were the main findings of the McNeill-Tulloch Report?

  • Majority of casualties were due to disease, not combat
  • Poor health linked to lack of fresh food
  • Slow distribution of supplies to the frontline
• What was a major cause of casualties during the Crimean War?

  Diseases caused by poor health and lack of fresh food.
• What was the impact of the Crimean War on British military reforms?

  It led to increased scrutiny of army conditions and prompted calls for reform.
• How did the British government respond to the findings of the McNeill-Tulloch Report?

  They issued a royal warrant for professional reform of the commissariat.
• What were the Cardwell reforms from 1868-74?

  • Abolished flogging and branding
  • Ended purchasing of commissions
  • Improved recruitment and organization of the army
• What was one of the first reforms introduced by Edward Cardwell?

  The Army Enlistment Act of 1870.
• How did the Army Enlistment Act of 1870 change service terms for soldiers?

  It allowed soldiers to serve for 6 years in the regular army and 6 years in the reserves.
• What was the effect of the Regulation of the Forces Act (1871) on army assignments?


  It linked each regiment to a geographical area, allowing soldiers to serve closer to home.
• What were the main challenges faced by the British army in the 19th century?

  • Recruitment difficulties due to economic prosperity
  • Poor living conditions and equipment for soldiers
  • Inefficiencies in supply and communication
• What was the main reason for the recruitment problem in the British army during the mid-19th century?

  Economic prosperity made factory work more attractive than army life.
• How did the Cardwell reforms aim to improve the army's appeal to recruits?

  By changing conditions of service and abolishing purchasing of commissions.
• What was the impact of the Cardwell reforms on the social structure of the army?

  They altered the social structure by making the army more accessible to men from various backgrounds.
• What was the significance of the abolition of flogging and branding in the army?

  It marked a shift towards more humane treatment of soldiers.
• What was the main consequence of the McNeill-Tulloch Report?

  It led to a shift in control of the army towards a more governmental role in management.
• How did the British public's perception of the army change after the Crimean War?

  They began to sympathize with the experiences of common soldiers due to media coverage.
• What role did journalists play during the Crimean War?

  They reported on the conditions of soldiers, influencing public perception and sympathy.
• What was the relationship between the British army and the local population during campaigns?

  British forces aimed to maintain good relations with locals and prohibited looting.
• What was the primary cause of hunger among British soldiers during the Crimean War?

  Supply lines were stretched and inefficient.
• What did the British army learn from the Crimean War regarding supply and logistics?

  They realized the need for a professional central administration for supply management.
• How did the Crimean War expose weaknesses in the British army's command structure?

  It showed that commanders often lacked awareness of the day-to-day situation on the ground.
• What was the significance of the lime juice incident during the Crimean War?

  It illustrated the slow distribution of essential supplies to soldiers.
• What was the main recommendation of the McNeill-Tulloch Report?

  To improve the organization of the army and its supply procedures.
• How did the British government respond to the criticisms in the McNeill-Tulloch Report?

  They initiated reforms to improve the army's supply and organization.
• What was the impact of the Cardwell reforms on the British army's structure?

  They changed the organization of the army and improved conditions for soldiers.
• What was the role of the Chelsea Board after the McNeill-Tulloch Report?

  It attempted to whitewash the report and defend the reputations of army leaders.
• What was one of the key changes introduced by the Cardwell reforms regarding army enlistment?

  Soldiers could now serve for 6 years in the regular army and 6 years in the reserves.
• How did the Cardwell reforms address the issue of purchasing commissions?

  They abolished the practice of purchasing commissions in the army.