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Description
In this programme, Clive Emsley, Course Team chairman, looks at some of the "nuts and bolts" of the type of urban insurrectionary drama which was played in so many European cities in 184...8. It is often easy to forget hew much physical circumstances influence the course of events, no matter how carefully planned, and television is uniquely able to put this right. In a filmed sequence Bill Curtis of the Muzzle Loaders Assoc, and Clive Emsley discuss the firepower of different weapons used by revolutionary and government troops. Bill Curtis fires a volley with an 1840's percussion cap musket. This demonstrates not just the rate and reliability of fire, but also the range and penetrability of bullets and the noise, smoke and flame caused by gunfire. Clive Emsley and Paul Ginsborg of the University of York, who presents "The Face of Italy" later in the course, then examine the stills evidence for the tactics used in two insurrections in 1848, in Paris and Milan. Interestingly enough, they were much the same, though illustrations are almost always from the side of the victory in Paris, government forces, in Milan, the insurgents.
Metadata describing this Open University video programme
Module code and title: A321, The revolutions of 1848
Item code: A321; 01
First transmission date: 25-06-1976
Published: 1976
Rights Statement:
Restrictions on use:
Duration: 00:23:34
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Producer: Edward Hayward
Contributors: Ian Donnachie; Clive Emsley; Paul Ginsberg
Publisher: BBC Open University
Keyword(s): Army; Milan; Weapons
Footage description: Clive Emsley introduces the programme from the studio, explaining that it aims to describe the combatants and urban environment of the revolutions of 1848. He explains how soldiers were used to maintain public order at the time, and describes the problems that ensued. He demonstrates the use of a cavalry sabre and explains how it was employed in crowd control. A variety of weapons at Bisley ranges are seen. William Curtis, of the Muzzle Loaders Association, describes the construction and operation of various mid-19th century firearms. He demonstrates the firing of a percussion cap musket, while Emsley describes the effectiveness of the weapon in voice-over. From the studio, Paul Ginsborg briefly describes the revolution that occurred in Milan in March 1848. He uses a plan of the city to show the extent of the fighting. Over paintings of the events, he describes the start and initial progress of the insurrection. He comments on the construction and effectiveness of the barracades, and on the use of banners and posters. Ginsborg describes the insurgents over contemporary prints. With the aid of a plan of Milan, he describes the tactics of the Austrians, giving reasons for their failure Over paintings of events he briefly describe the nature of the Austrian capitulation. With the aid of a studio map, Clive Emsley describes the Paris Revolt of 1848. The tactics of the army are explained with the help of an animated map. Over contemporary illustrations, Emsley comments on the use made of barracades and artillery. He describes the different types of combatant.He also explains the popularity of prints depicting the fighting, over shots of examples of these.
Master spool number: 6HT/72027
Production number: 00525_3212
Videofinder number: 3309
Available to public: no