British navy and French wars: 1793-1815

• Who was the commander of the allied forces in the Peninsular War?

  Wellington
• What was Wellington known for during the Peninsular War?

  His attention to detail
• How did Wellington choose battle locations during the Peninsular War?


  He picked locations that gave him some advantage
• What was Wellington's belief regarding the supply of his army?

  His army must be supplied from Britain using the navy
• What did Wellington ensure for his soldiers?

  That they were well fed and equipped
• What did Wellington remark about his soldiers?

  He said they were "the very scum of the earth" but became "fine fellows"
• How did Wellington's belief in his soldiers impact the army?

  It made the army better as they could trust him and his decision making
• When did Napoleon begin a new campaign in Europe?

  In 1805
• What prevented Napoleon from invading Britain?

  Nelson's victory at sea
• What action did Napoleon take after failing to invade Britain?

  He went to the Iberian Peninsula
• Why did Napoleon anger the Spanish patriots?

  By replacing Spain's king with his brother Joseph
• What did the French army do in 1807?

  Moved into Portugal
• Why was Portugal significant to Britain?

  It was Britain's oldest ally
• What opportunity did Britain have due to Napoleon's actions in the Iberian Peninsula?

  To take military action against France on land
• When did Wellington arrive in Portugal?

  In July 1808
• Who strengthened Wellington's small force in Portugal?

  5,000 Portuguese and extra British troops commanded by Sir John Moore
• What battle did Wellington win on August 21, 1808?

  The Battle of Vimeiro
• Who superseded Wellington after the Battle of Vimeiro?

  Sir Hew Dalrymple
• What was the Convention of Sintra?

  A deal that allowed French troops to be evacuated in British ships
• What happened to Wellington after the Convention of Sintra?

  He returned to Britain in anger
• What was the outcome of the official enquiry after the Convention of Sintra?

  It exonerated all three commanders
• When did Wellington return to the Peninsula in sole command?

  In April 1809
• What setback occurred at Corunna in January 1809?

  Moore was killed during the evacuation
• How did the returning troops appear after Corunna?

  Demoralised and half-starved
• What did politicians complain about after Corunna?

  About the army's failures
• What did some people argue after the loss of Moore?

  To make peace with Napoleon
• What characterized Wellington's campaign from 1809 to 1814?

  A war of invasion and retreat, sieges and attrition
• Who were the experienced French generals Wellington faced?

  Massena, Marmont, and Soult
• What did Wellington have to maintain during his campaign?

  His troops' morale and readiness for battle
• What tactic did Wellington often choose to avoid defeat?

  A rear-guard action
• What French strengths did Wellington need to neutralize?

  Artillery, massed infantry, and mobility
• What was the standard musket used by Wellington's infantry?

  The "Brown Bess"
• How many shots per minute could the "Brown Bess" manage in expert hands?

  Four shots a minute
• What was Wellington's preferred tactic regarding infantry positioning?

  To position infantry on the reverse slope of a hill
• What advantage did Wellington's positioning provide against French infantry?

  French infantry had to run uphill into volley musket fire
• What was the role of skirmishers in Wellington's army?

  They were riflemen with the new Baker file
• What was the contrast between the Spanish guerrillas and the regular Spanish army?

  The guerrillas were ferocious while the regular army was weak
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Talavera in September 1809?

  Wellington achieved a narrow victory
• What did Wellington build to protect supply lines in the winter of 1809-10?

  Massive fortification works known as the lines of Torres Vedras
• How did the lines of Torres Vedras benefit Wellington's army?

  His army was secure and could receive supplies by sea