"Britain in the Wars with France – 1793 – 1815" Topic

"After the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, Britain had remained neutral, watching from the side-lines, but in 1793, when French troops occupied Belgian lands, threatening the Dutch as well as British overland trade via the River Scheldt, war was instigated. British troops were sent onto continental Europe, but were defeated at the battle of Hondschoote in the September of 1793.

Britain at this time was allied to the major powers of Europe; the Netherlands, Spain, Austria Prussia and Piedmont-Sardinia. Had they combined and struck at France it is more than probable that the French Revolution would have been put down and the French Bourbon Monarchy restored. However, the allies failed to decide upon an organised strategy; The British concentrated their forces in overseas possessions, whilst squandering money to help finance her allies, who used the money for differing aims. By 1796, only Austria and Britain remained united against France, with Austria receiving so much British financial support that the British economy began to strain. A punitive French expedition in 1796 failed, and William Pitt the younger sued for peace with France…."

Main page
link

Amicalement
Armand

"After the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, Britain had remained neutral, watching from the side-lines, but in 1793, when French troops occupied Belgian lands, threatening the Dutch as well as British overland trade via the River Scheldt, war was instigated. British troops were sent onto continental Europe, but were defeated at the battle of Hondschoote in the September of 1793" – I am afraid that this is all utter nonsense…

Not sure it is utter nonsense. The first small contingent of British troops were sent to protect Britain's trading arrangements with Holland. The commanders of this two small brigades were given instructions that they were not to undertake any any operational movement more than one days march distance from a specific embarkation point should the government decide to recall them.

Britain had remained neutral, watching from the side-lines, but in 1793, when French troops occupied Belgian lands, threatening the Dutch as well as British overland trade via the River Scheldt, war was instigated.

Another one that can be safely ignored for getting the most basic facts wrong. France declared war on Britain.

Whirlwind

Indeed. And it was only Austria's request for the British contingent to support their planned campaign that resulted in the British contingent actually being reinforced and further involved. In fact the Duke of York had to request the government to withdraw the restrictions they had initially imposed on his contingent in order that he could accede to the Austrian request.

Whirlwind has it right – the French declared war and British troops were deployed to defend the Netherlands rather than Belgium (which was an Austrian concern). Also the battle of Hondeschoote led to the abandonment of the siege of Dunkirk (which was a British side project) it did not end Britain's involvement in the coalition or even the presence of British troops on the continent. The rest of it is also ill-informed.

Green Tiger

Indeed

"Join 79 other followers"