The British Army: A New Short History

This new concise history by one of Britain's leading military historians explores the British army from its creation in the seventeenth century to the present, setting its institutional development, relationship with state and society, and its wider political, social, economic, and cultural role. It traces the army's evolution through five chronological phases: the standing army of the seventeenth century, the national army of the eighteenth century, the imperial army of the nineteenth century, the people's army of the two world wars, and the era of national service.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The British Army has a rich and storied history,spanning from its inception in the late seventeenth century to the present day. In this concise yet comprehensive new history, one of Britain's foremost military historians delves into the evolution of the British Army, examining its institutional development, its often complex relationship with state and society, and its broader political, social, economic, and cultural role within international, imperial, national, regional, and local contexts.

While the primary purpose of an army is to engage in warfare, it is impossible to separate the British Army's story from the wars and conflicts that have shaped its evolution. Consequently, attention is also given to the army's commanders, operations, and battlefields across various historical periods, from the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in the seventeenth century to Iraq and Afghanistan in the twenty-first century.

Beckett's narrative unfolds through five chronological phases: the standing army of the seventeenth century and its antecedents, the national army of the eighteenth century, the imperial army of the nineteenth century, the people's army of the two world wars, and the era of national service. These phases reflect the changing attitudes towards the utility of force and the challenges posed to the army's traditional core values in a rapidly changing social landscape.

The standing army of the seventeenth century marked a significant milestone in the development of the British Army. Prior to this, armies were typically composed of temporary levies raised during times of war. However, with the establishment of a permanent standing army, the British government began to invest in training and equipping soldiers on a regular basis. This shift in military strategy aimed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the army in times of peace and war.

The national army of the eighteenth century saw the British Army expand its influence and power across the globe. The Napoleonic Wars, in particular, showcased the army's prowess and led to the establishment of a network of colonies and territories. The army's role in these conflicts was instrumental in shaping the British Empire and establishing the country as a global superpower.

The imperial army of the nineteenth century saw the British Army continue to play a significant role in the expansion of the British Empire. The army's involvement in the Indian Rebellion, the Crimean War, and the Second Boer War demonstrated its adaptability and strength in diverse and challenging environments. However, the imperialist policies of the time also led to criticism and controversy, particularly in the case of the Indian Rebellion.

The people's army of the two world wars saw the British Army undergo a significant transformation. The outbreak of World War I saw the army mobilize millions of soldiers, and the experience of trench warfare and the use of new technologies such as tanks and aircraft had a profound impact on military strategy. The war also led to significant social and political changes, with women joining the army and the rise of socialist and communist movements.

The era of national service, which followed World War II, saw the British Army return to a smaller, professional force. The war had left the army depleted and in need of rebuilding, and the national service scheme aimed to provide a pool of trained soldiers for future conflicts. However, the scheme also faced criticism for its lack of diversity and for the perceived lack of training and experience of some of the recruits.

The return to a small professional army fulfilling a global role envisaged by successive governments in the twenty-first century at a time of rapidly changing social attitudes towards the utility of force poses a challenge to the army's traditional core values. The army must adapt to new technologies, changing demographics, and evolving threats to maintain its relevance and effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.

In conclusion, the British Army's history is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and strength. From its inception in the late seventeenth century to the present day, the army has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of British history, the course of the British Empire, and the course of the world. While the primary purpose of an army is to engage in warfare, the British Army's story cannot be separated from the wars and conflicts that have punctuated its evolution. Through its five chronological phases, the army has evolved from a standing army of the seventeenth century to a small professional force fulfilling a global role in the twenty-first century. As the army continues to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, it will remain an important institution in shaping the future of Britain and the world.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198871040