Do You Agree With The View That Lord Ca
Do you agree with the view that, as a result of the Crimean war, Lord Cardigan became a national hero?
Lord Cardigan was the leader officer of the light brigade. In 1854 you could buy a commission to quickly raise rank. This would mean only rich families would become officers, and not because of military knowledge/might, as officers would need a private income. Sources 4+5 seem to disagree with the view that Lord Cardigan was a national hero, in fact they oppose it and infer that he was severely disliked by his men and the public. Source 6, a book called “forgotten heroes”, says that Cardigan IS a hero. He is known for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaklava.
Source 4 is written by Captain Seager. The source is a primary source, a letter to his wife. Captain Seager had served under Lord Cardigan from the start of the war. He says in his letter that “if self-importance or bluster are necessary for command, then he is the man” referring to Lord Cardigan. He also says he gallantly went to the Russian guns, but left the brigade to get back the best it could. The source therefor infers that Lord Cardigan was an incompetent leader, Captain Seager did not like him and that Cardigan abandoned his men to their fate at the battle of Balaklava. This letter is reliable as its to his wife, a private letter not meant for the public, so it is the truth of events, It is still useful as it’s point of view from the soldier, although it was written 2 months after the charge.
Lord Cardigan was the leader officer of the light brigade. In 1854 you could buy a commission to quickly raise rank. This would mean only rich families would become officers, and not because of military knowledge/might, as officers would need a private income. Sources 4+5 seem to disagree with the view that Lord Cardigan was a national hero, in fact they oppose it and infer that he was severely disliked by his men and the public. Source 6, a book called “forgotten heroes”, says that Cardigan IS a hero. He is known for leading the Charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaklava.
Source 4 is written by Captain Seager. The source is a primary source, a letter to his wife. Captain Seager had served under Lord Cardigan from the start of the war. He says in his letter that “if self-importance or bluster are necessary for command, then he is the man” referring to Lord Cardigan. He also says he gallantly went to the Russian guns, but left the brigade to get back the best it could. The source therefor infers that Lord Cardigan was an incompetent leader, Captain Seager did not like him and that Cardigan abandoned his men to their fate at the battle of Balaklava. This letter is reliable as its to his wife, a private letter not meant for the public, so it is the truth of events, It is still useful as it’s point of view from the soldier, although it was written 2 months after the charge.