Option 12: c1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries — Edexcel GCSE History
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Option 12: c1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries explained
Between c1700 and c1900, the composition of the British army saw significant continuity and change, notably the decline of the cavalry.
Read the full explanation
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.
Your focus
- Identify the main components of the British army and how their proportions changed between 1700 and 1900.
- Explain the technological factors, including rifles and artillery, that led to the decline of the cavalry as a shock force.
- Evaluate the extent of continuity and change in the composition of the armed forces over this period.
Option 12: c1700–c1900: Warfare and British society in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries exam tips
Marking 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.
Examiner 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).
Common Mistakes
- Error: Stating that cavalry disappeared completely by 1900. Correction: Clarify that cavalry still existed but their role changed from shock action to reconnaissance.
- Error: Ignoring continuity in the army's composition. Correction: Remember to discuss that infantry remained the backbone of the army throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Error: Attributing the destruction of the Light Brigade to rifles. Correction: 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.