Manliness and the English soldier in the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902 : the more things change, the more they stay the same
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Date
2005
Authors
Bannerman, Sheila J.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, 2005
Abstract
This thesis uses the Victorian ideology of chivalric manlines to explain the class-oriented army hierarchy developed by volunteer soldiers from northern England during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Newspaper reports, advertising, and popular fiction reveal a public mythology of imperial manliness and neo-chivalric ideals that was transferred onto civilian volunteers, creating an ideal warrior that satisfied a thirst for honour. This mythology created a world view in which northern communities, once supporters of the burgeoning peace movement, became committed supporters of parochial units of volunteer soldiers that fought in the newly expanded army. Soldiers' letters and diaries reveal that ingrained ideals of manliness and chivalry led to class-differentiated hierarchies within the army that mirrored those in civilian life. Contrary to the conclusions of some current historians, the Regular soldier remained in his traditional place at the bottom of the army structure, so that "the more things change, the more they remain the same."
Description
vi, 138 leaves ; 29 cm.
Keywords
Dissertations, Academic , Masculinity -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century , Great Britain -- Social conditions -- 19th century , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Participation, British , South African War, 1899-1902 -- Social aspects , Soldiers -- Great Britain -- Social conditions , Social classes -- Great Britain -- History , Soldiers -- Great Britain -- Attitudes