Lord Lansdowne at the War Office (1895-1900)
This thesis investigates Lord Lansdowneâs career at the War Office (1895-1900). At its core, however, is not a traditional biographical quest, but what does his career at the War Office tell us about late Victorian politics, civil-military relations, the reform discourse, the late Victorian Army and the war in South Africa? This is an especially relevant subject of historical study for two reasons: firstly Lansdowne as Secretary of State for War and a representative of his class, time and party epitomised late Victorian politics; secondly as Secretary of State he has been found wanting. The thesis aims to re-examine these questions and force those who have written on the problems Lansdowne encountered to rethink their conclusions. By portraying Lansdowne as a man of his time and returning him to his proper position this thesis demonstrates that it is possible to reinterpret the career of a historical figure. The main part of the thesis looks at how Lansdowne operated at the War Office and the complex inheritance he dealt with. It explores the political rivalries of those with power to influence military policy in Britain and the lack of interest in military matters both in and out of Parliament. Given these
Kerry, Simon
Lord Lansdowne at the War Office (1895-1900). This thesis investigates Lord Lansdowneâs career at the War Office (1895-1900). At its core, however, is not a traditional biographical quest, but what does his career at the War Office tell us about late Victorian politics, civil-military relations, the reform discourse, the late Victorian Army and the war in South Africa? This is an especially relevant subject of historical study for two reasons: firstly Lansdowne as Secretary of State for War and a representative of his class, time and party epitomised late Victorian politics; secondly as Secretary of State he has been found wanting. The thesis aims to re-examine these questions and force those who have written on the problems Lansdowne encountered to rethink their conclusions. By portraying Lansdowne as a man of his time and returning him to his proper position this thesis demonstrates that it is possible to reinterpret the career of a historical figure. The main part of the thesis looks at how Lansdowne operated at the War Office and the complex inheritance he dealt with. It explores the political rivalries of those with power to influence military policy in Britain and the lack of interest in military matters both in and out of Parliament. Given these
lord war_office investigates lord career war_office core however traditional biographical quest career war_office tell late_victorian politics civil_military relation reform discourse late victorian_army war south_africa especially relevant subject historical_study reason firstly secretary state war representative class time party epitomise late_victorian politics secondly secretary state find want aim_re examine question force write problem encounter rethink conclusion portray man time return proper position demonstrate_possible reinterpret career historical_figure main_part look operated war_office complex inheritance dealt with explores political rivalry power_influence military policy britain lack_interest military matter parliament given