How far does the evidence suggest that Wellington was a defensive general?
- Created by: KymBroughton
- Created on: 30-11-16 19:19
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- How far does the evidence support the view the Wellington was a defensive general?
- Defensive
- Wellington knew that he would have to neutralise French strengths and knew that, as the French attack in columns, the best way to do this was to use the Iberian geography to his advantage.
- Wellington would often launch a rearguard action rather than attack and risk defeat, this was fuelled by secure lines of supply from Lisbon.
- Wellington built large fortifications across the peninsula above Lisbon - the lines of Torres Vedras.
- Each time Napoleon was captured he was allowed to live, being exiled rather than killed.
- At Quatre Bras Wellington was attacked but held position well, whereas at Ligny, he was forced to retreat rather than engage in battle.
- Wellington's reputation for being defensive allowed him to defeat Ney, as he mistakenly though Wellington was retreating.
- Attacking
- Knew that he would have to maintain his troops' morale in order for them to be able to succeed in battle.
- Wellington had strong attacking troops at his disposal with single shot musketeers, skirmishers, riflemen, artillery and cavalry and bayonets.
- Wellington launched offensives into both Spain and France
- When no longer outnumbered, Wellington launched attacks in Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca and Vitoria - all victories.
- Defensive
- Kym Broughton 12C
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