How important was the Duke of Wellington in the British Army's sucess in the Peninsula War (1808-14)?

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  • How important was The Duke of Wellington in the British Army's success in the Peninsula War (1808-14)?
    • Important
      • Defensive tactics in the early parts of the war allowed Wellington to gauge his opponents and to see the strength of his army - from this he could develop tactics - e.g. rearguard action.
      • Suggested  officers such as William Carr to retrain the Portuguese army and to help create the lines of Torres Vedras
      • Policy of 'Scorched Earth' effectively starved the French.
      • Wellington's army survived a close call at Fuentes de Onoro - developing a tactic of Square- Formations, something that would later be used at Waterloo.
    • Not Important
      • Nelson's victory at the Naval Battle of Trafalgar (Oct 1805) ended Napoleon's hopes of British invasion - Gave Britain a reputation.
      • Napoleon had provoked a patriotic uprising and therefore invited a guerrilla campaign against himself, therefore allowing Britain the chance to attack on land.
    • Vital
      • Immediately won his first battle - defeating Marshal Junot's army at Vimeiro in August - This was whilst being outnumbered! Big morale boost.
      • In Wellington's absence, Sir John Moore led an expedition into Spain, he was outnumbered and retreated into Corunna in northern Spain. Moore was killed as survivors had to be rescued by the Navy - highlights the effect of Wellington not being there.
      • Wellington knew he had to neutralise French strengths and use the Iberian geography to his advantage. But he also knew that the morale of his troops was key in order to win any battle.
      • Wellington cracked down on slackness in the Army, creating a well disciplined force.
      • After the French invasion of Russia, Britain were no longer outnumbered, allowing Wellington to take a more aggressive approach- this lead to victories at Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca and Victoria.
      • Wellington was able to win over his soldiers and boost morale, as he was seen as a relatable figure - especially as he was seen weeping at losses, sleeping little and complaining about issues all soldiers faced.
  • Kym Broughton 12C

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