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Warfare and British Society, c1250–present

Case studies: the battles of Waterloo and Balaclava

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

Wellington at Waterloo, the ridge, the square, Hougoumont and La Haye Sainte, waiting for Blücher, then Raglan at Balaclava, the Thin Red Line, the Charge of the Light Brigade and why the orders went wrong.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why did Raglan's orders go so badly wrong at Balaclava?

Key term

Who commanded the allied army at Waterloo in 1815?

Key term

How did Wellington use the ridge at Waterloo?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Who commanded the allied army at Waterloo in 1815?

    Model answer

    The Duke of Wellington.

  2. 2

    How did Wellington use the ridge at Waterloo?

    Model answer

    He kept most of his infantry on the far side of the crest, hidden from view and sheltered from French artillery until the attacks came close.

  3. 3

    What formation did the British infantry use against French cavalry charges at Waterloo?

    Model answer

    The square, a block of men facing outwards with bayonets fixed, which horses would not ride into.

  4. 4

    Why did the fighting for Hougoumont and La Haye Sainte matter at Waterloo?

    Model answer

    These fortified farms stood in front of the allied line, broke up French attacks and swallowed troops Napoleon needed elsewhere.

  5. 5

    Why was Wellington willing to fight a defensive battle he could not have won alone?

    Model answer

    Because Blücher's Prussians were marching to join him, and holding the ridge until they struck the French flank would decide the day.

  6. 6

    Who commanded the British forces at Balaclava in 1854?

    Model answer

    Lord Raglan.

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