How the American Civil War Changed the British Army

Dr Michael Somerville explores how the British Army used lessons from the American Civil War to prepare for war in Europe.

The American Civil War is often said to have foreshadowed the way in which later conflicts, such as the Boer War and the First World War, would be fought. As a result, historically, the British Army has been criticised for not learning from it.

In this compelling talk, Dr Michael Somerville challenges this view, demonstrating that the British Army’s responses to the lessons of the American Civil War were more complex, better informed and of higher quality than normally depicted.

Key to this new interpretation is how the British Army made changes based on observations of the American Civil War, ranging from basic infantry and cavalry tactics to advancements in artillery and aeronautics.

About the speaker

Michael Somerville

Dr Michael Somerville studied History at Cambridge University and has a doctorate from the University of Buckingham. He is currently President of the American Civil War Round Table (UK), for which he has produced several presentations and articles. He has also published in ‘Military History Matters’, the ‘Coast Defence Journal’, Saul David’s ‘Militaria’ e-magazine and online on the ‘Military History Now’ website.