Abstract
By the middle decade of the nineteenth century, soldiers of experience across Europe were confidently asserting that, as a consequence of the new ‘arms of precision’ being issued to infantrymen, the ‘days of cavalry were passed’. This view has been echoed uncritically by subsequent generations of historians. Drawing on a range of original materials, it will be argued here that the disappointing performance of cavalry on the battlefields of the Crimea, Italy, and Bohemia owed more to doctrinal failure than infantry fire-power. While recognizing the changed conditions of the battlefield, the cavalry arm in fact successfully reformed and, despite the onward march of weapon technology, entered the global conflict of 1914 at the very peak of its efficiency and utility.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
