5 - The wartime economy

Summary

The frequency, scale and changing nature of eighteenth-century warfare was such that much depended upon how the British economy was able to cope with the military demands imposed upon it. The performance of an expanding army and navy was determined to a considerable degree by the efficiency of domestic production and supply systems and, without reasonable levels of support from industry, agriculture and commerce, Britain's military efforts would have been seriously weakened. As such, different sectors within the economy were required to respond to the various challenges of war by producing a wide range of goods and materials of sufficient quantity and adequate quality to enable the armies of Britain and its allies to fight lengthy campaigns in Europe and the wider world. Moreover, because of the disruption caused by war to international trade and commerce, there was also a need for the domestic economy, especially the agricultural sector, to support the basic needs of an expanding population. Any analysis of the relationship between war and the domestic economy must, however, be set within much broader terms of reference than those which see economic activity as simply an important factor contributing to the state's military performance. During the eighteenth century, Britain began to be transformed by the various processes associated with industrialisation, and, in seeking to chart and explain the course of these changes, historians have identified war as exerting a powerful influence over the development of the domestic economy.