BEW French Wars

What did Britain's financial strength fund before the French Wars?

The Royal Navy, allowing it to protect maritime trade and colonies.

What war was won against France before the French Wars began?

The Seven Years' War (1756-63).

Which key area did the British East India Company gain control over?

Key areas in India, ousting the French.

Why was naval supremacy regarded as vital by Britain?

To protect overseas territories and trade routes.

What challenge did pre-revolutionary France face compared to Britain?

A creaking economy that left it less prepared for conflict.

Who was a key figure in shaping Britain’s naval war with France?

Horatio Nelson.

How did the Royal Navy support the French Wars?

By blockading French ports and protecting British commerce.

What prevented Napoleon from attempting a full-scale invasion of Britain?

British naval supremacy.

What happened in the failed raid in Ireland in 1796?

Bad weather prevented troops from landing.

What was the outcome of the 1797 raid in Wales?

A small force was met by British militia and surrendered.

How much larger was the conscript French army compared to the British army before the French Wars?

Roughly twice the size.

What was the key innovation introduced by Britain in 1798 to fund the war effort?

Income tax.

What aided Britain's financial strength during the French Wars?

A sophisticated financial system and the ability to finance military expenditures.

Who led Wellington's victorious campaign at Waterloo?

Wellington himself lead British troops.

What was the impact of Napoleon's Grand Army campaign in Russia?

It ended in disaster, yet he could still muster a million men.

What type of coalition did Britain form during the wars?

A coalition of nations including Russia, Prussia, and Austria.

How much did Britain provide to its allies throughout the French Wars?

£50 million.

Who was the commander of the British army during the Peninsular War?

Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington.

What was a key reason for Wellington’s successes in the Peninsular War?

Attention to detail in choosing battle locations.

What was the role of the British navy during the Peninsular War?

Supplied Wellington's army while preventing resource depletion.

After which battle did Wellington integrate the Portuguese army into his forces?

After his earlier setbacks in the campaign.

What military tactic did Wellington frequently employ against the French?

Scorched earth policy.

What was a significant advantage for Wellington's troops?

Secure supply lines from Lisbon supported by the Royal Navy.

How did Wellington’s tactics neutralize French strengths?

By utilizing the Iberian geography and maintaining troop morale.

What backlash did Wellington face from the British politicians during the war?

Complaints regarding his handling and concerns about army morale.

What were the two battles that took place on 16 June 1815?

Quatre Bras and Ligny.

What characterized the fighting style of the British infantry?

Delivering concentrated volleys of fire.

What did the Battle of Waterloo signify?

The end of the French Wars.

What was Britain's naval strategy during the French Wars?

To blockade French ports and protect its maritime trade.

What did the British economy experience during the French Wars?

Growth in manufacturing and industrialization.

How did the British agricultural sector fare during the wars?

Farmers benefited from higher wartime prices.

What led to the introduction of the Corn Laws in 1815?

Protectionist policies due to reliance on high food prices.

What innovation in the farming sector contributed to improved efficiency?

The agrarian revolution.

How did the government respond to fears of social disorder during the wars?

Implementing more restrictive measures against uprisings.

What was the effect of Luddism during the wars?

Fear among workers leading to machine-breaking protests.

What did Wellington's victories lead to in terms of public perception?

Earning the British army new respect.

What type of responses did the government impose during the Luddite uprisings?

Crackdowns on protests and machine-breaking incidents.

What did the war create in terms of societal changes?

A shift towards more industrialized society.

How did British banks play a crucial role during the wars?

They funded military operations and managed national debt.

In what aspect did the Royal Navy show strength in trade during the wars?

By protecting merchant shipping and enforcing blockades.

What issue rose significantly that affected the poor class during the wars?

Unemployment due to men joining the army.

What was the overall impact of the French Wars on Britain?

Strengthening its global trade and military reputation.

What attitude towards France was revived after the wars?

Hostility towards Napoleon and a rivalry for colonial territories.

What was a key military challenge for Napoleon in fighting Britain?

Britain's naval strength thwarting his ambitions.

What economic measure did Britain implement due to war costs?

Income tax, introduced for the first time.

What long-term effect did Nelson's campaigns have on British naval strategy?

Forming standard tactical responses in naval engagements.

How did the British government adapt to the growing national debt?

By raising taxes and implementing new financial measures.

What led to a surge in British industrialization during the French Wars?

Diverse wartime demands for materials and production.