Book Review: History of the British Army, 1714–1783: An Institutional History

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by Stephen Conway

Barnsley, Eng. / Philadelphia: Pen & Sword / Casemate, 2021. Pp. xx, 197+. Illus., chron., notes, biblio., index. $42.95. ISBN: 1526711400

Creating the Georgian Army

A specialist in eighteenth century military history, Prof. Conway (University College London), gives us a look at the inner life of the British Army from the accession of George I to the loss of America under George III, a curiously organized force that was generally quite effective.

Conway opens with a look at the political and social environment in Britain in the period, and then discusses military developments. There are chapters on how one entered the service, covering both enlisted men and officers, with some interesting observations about the practice of purchasing rank. He follows with looks at military units and installations as communities, army life, the ways in which officers and men experienced military service, the oft neglected subject of the women of the army, and how officers and men left the service.

Conway makes number of valuable observations, notably how the army served as a driver of economic growth (the need to supply arms, uniforms, equipment, rations, etc.) and social mobility. He also points out some enduring problems of military institutions, notably “cost overruns”, often deliberately planned for by the institutional leadership.

The British Army, 1714-1783 is a valuable read for anyone interested in the evolution of Britain’s army and the military institutions of the eighteenth century, both of which helped shape the Continental Army.

 

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Note: The British Army, 1714-1783 is also available in several e-editions.

 

StrategyPage reviews are published in cooperation with The New York Military Affairs Symposium (www.nymas.org)

Reviewer: A.A. Nofi, Review Editor   


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