Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
C1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth…
Full specification wording
Option 12: c1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries: Continuity and change in the composition of the army, including the decline of the cavalry.
Between c1700 and c1900, the composition of the British army saw significant continuity and change, notably the decline of the cavalry.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Between c1700 and c1900, the composition of the British army saw significant continuity and change, notably the decline of the cavalry. Infantry remained the core of the army, but the role of cavalry diminished as firearms became more accurate. The introduction of the Minié rifle allowed infantry to break cavalry charges, as seen with the 'Thin Red Line' at Balaklava. Furthermore, the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade demonstrated cavalry's vulnerability to modern artillery. Consequently, cavalry shifted from shock troops to roles focused on reconnaissance and skirmishing. Meanwhile, the artillery branch grew in importance and size, reflecting the industrialisation of warfare and the need for heavy fire support.
What earns the marks
- Identify the continued reliance on infantry as the primary component of the British army throughout the period.
- Explain the reasons for the decline of the cavalry, specifically the increased range, accuracy, and rate of fire of infantry weapons like the Minié rifle.
- Describe the changing role of cavalry from battlefield shock troops to reconnaissance and screening forces.
- Analyse the growing proportion and significance of artillery within the army's composition due to technological advancements.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that cavalry disappeared completely by 1900.
Put it right: Clarify that cavalry still existed but their role changed from shock action to reconnaissance.
Ignoring continuity in the army's composition.
Put it right: To discuss that infantry remained the backbone of the army throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Attributing the destruction of the Light Brigade to rifles.
Put it right: The Charge of the Light Brigade was broken primarily by artillery fire and command errors, whereas the 'Thin Red Line' demonstrated the Minié rifle's effectiveness against cavalry.
Exam tips
- Use the 'Thin Red Line' at Balaklava to exemplify how new rifle technology like the Minié rifle made traditional cavalry charges vulnerable to infantry.
- Always balance your answer by discussing both what changed (decline of cavalry, rise of artillery) and what stayed the same (infantry dominance).
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 12: c1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries: Continuity and change in the composition of the army, including the decline of the cavalry. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which factor was the most significant cause of the decline in the proportion of cavalry in the British army between 1700 and 1900?
Listen
Between c1700 and c1900, the composition of the British army saw significant continuity and change, notably the decline of the cavalry. Infantry remained the core of the army, but the role of cavalry diminished as firearms became more accurate. The introduction of the Minié rifle allowed infantry to break cavalry charges, as seen with the 'Thin Red Line' at Balaklava. Furthermore, the disastrous Charge of the Light Brigade demonstrated cavalry's vulnerability to modern artillery. Consequently, cavalry shifted from shock troops to roles focused on reconnaissance and skirmishing. Meanwhile, the artillery branch grew in importance and size, reflecting the industrialisation of warfare and the need for heavy fire support. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the continued reliance on infantry as the primary component of the British army throughout the period. Explain the reasons for the decline of the cavalry, specifically the increased range, accuracy, and rate of fire of infantry weapons like the Minié rifle. Describe the changing role of cavalry from battlefield shock troops to reconnaissance and screening forces. Analyse the growing proportion and significance of artillery within the army's composition due to technological advancements. A common slip: Stating that cavalry disappeared completely by 1900. Instead, Clarify that cavalry still existed but their role changed from shock action to reconnaissance. Exam tip: Use the 'Thin Red Line' at Balaklava to exemplify how new rifle technology like the Minié rifle made traditional cavalry charges vulnerable to infantry.
Key words
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Technological change
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Tactical evolution
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Army composition
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See every definition
- Technological change
- Firearms became more accurate, and the introduction of the Minié rifle allowed infantry to break cavalry charges.
- Tactical evolution
- Cavalry shifted from shock troops to roles focused on reconnaissance and skirmishing.
- Army composition
- Infantry remained the core of the army, the role of cavalry diminished, and the artillery branch grew in importance and size.
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