Page 61 - All About History - Issue 52-17

Time Traveller’s Handbook
PENINSULAR WAR

WHO TO BEFRIEND WHO TO AVOID
Arthur Wellesley Fig.03 Joseph Bonaparte
Soon to be better known as the Duke of Although his surname may summon impressive
Wellington, this young, up-and-coming, British images, Joseph himself is far weaker and milder
commander has already led the army to victories than his younger brother, Napoleon. Nobody wanted
in the field, and is a force to be reckoned with. Joseph to be king of Spain, not the Catholic Spanish
Pioneering and extremely intelligent, the population and not Joseph
commander has brought several innovations to himself. Feeling entirely
his infantry including dividing it into autonomous unwelcome, he even
divisions, and adding battalions of Portuguese attempted to abdicate,
infantry. Steadily gaining respect and popularity which his brother refused
due to his dashing good looks, in war it is always and forced the crown back
wise to befriend a winner – and Wellesley reeks on his head. Although he is
of victory. Be warned, he is famously sharp, in command of the French
disciplined and stern; winning his respect will forces, this is an illusion; the
take time, patience and perseverance. French commanders
answer only to his
Extra tip: A huge advantage when famous brother,
befriending Wellesley is being upper and Joseph serves
class or highly ranked. There are many as little more than
anecdotes of the commander displaying a throne warmer.
somewhat condescending behaviour to those Weak, ineffectual
less competent, and he very rarely speaks and disliked,
to servants. However, he also cares greatly befriending
for his men, sobbing upon witnessing the the ‘king’ Fig.04
British dead, and refusing to put his troops in will do you
unnecessary danger. few favours.

Helpful skills In a transforming country, these skills
will ensure you keep up with the times

Fig.05 Combat Fig.07
There are no two ways about
it: when you’re in a war, being
able to handle a weapon well
will benefit you. Soldiers are
equipped with various weapons
including swords, bayonets and
difficult-to-aim muskets.

Languages
Britain is no longer a force
that works alone; this war
is all about allegiance and Publicity
cooperation. You’ll be living With so many big personalities involved, the
and fighting alongside public are enthralled by the Napoleonic wars;
Spanish and Portuguese, so it’s where heroes and villains are made. If
being able to communicate you are able to control how your own actions
clearly will aid your are portrayed, history may treat you just as
survival massively. Fig.06 nicely as its hero, Wellesley.
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