Linch, K. and McCormack, M. (2013) Defining soldiers: Britain’s military, c.1740–1815. War in History. 20(2), pp. 144-159. 0968-3445 (print), 1477-0385 (online).
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Abstract:
This article offers a critique of the methodology of military history. The question of what constitutes a ‘soldier’ is usually taken for granted, but history of Britain’s military between the wars of the 1740s and the end of the Napoleonic Wars suggests that current definitions are inadequate. By focusing on the themes of language, law and citizenship, life cycles, masculinity, and collective identity, this article proposes new ways of thinking about ‘the soldier’. In so doing, it suggests that military historians should rethink the relationship between the military and society, and engage further with the methodologies of social and cultural history
Uncontrolled Keywords:
military, Britain, soldiers, methodology, eighteenth century, society
Subjects:
D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > DA40 Political, military, naval, and Air Force history
U Military Science > U1 Military science (General) > U27 History of military science
U Military Science > U1 Military science (General) > U750 Military life, manners and customs, antiquities, etc.
U Military Science > U1 Military science (General) > U27 History of military science
U Military Science > U1 Military science (General) > U750 Military life, manners and customs, antiquities, etc.
Creators:
Linch, K. and McCormack, M.
Funders or Sponsors:
Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Projects:
Soldiers and Soldiering in Britain, c. 1750-1815
Publisher:
Arnold Publishers
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
Date:
April 2013
Date Type:
Publication
Page Range:
pp. 144-159
Journal or Publication Title:
War in History
Volume:
20
Number:
2
Language:
English
ISSN:
0968-3445 (print), 1477-0385 (online)
Status:
Published / Disseminated
Refereed:
Yes
Related URLs:
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