Explain one way in which the role of Henry V as commander at Agincourt was different from the role of General Haig as commander at the Battle of the Somme. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1

One significant difference between the role of Henry V at Agincourt and General Haig at the Battle of the Somme lies in their approach to leadership and morale management.

Leadership Style

Henry V is known for his direct and personal involvement in inspiring his troops. He famously delivered rousing speeches that galvanized his men before the battle, emphasizing camaraderie and honor. This personal connection fostered a strong sense of loyalty and determination among his soldiers.

In contrast, General Haig operated from a more detached position during the Battle of the Somme. His leadership was characterized by a focus on strategy and logistics rather than personal engagement with the troops. Haig often coordinated from command posts, which, while effective in terms of military strategy, did not provide the same level of personal motivation to soldiers who sometimes felt disconnected from their leaders.

Morale Management

Another key difference was in their methods of maintaining morale. Henry V's leadership was marked by a personal stake in the outcome, creating a shared sense of destiny among his men. This was evident in moments such as 'The St. Crispin's Day Speech,' which reinforced unity. In contrast, Haig's reliance on attrition tactics led to significant casualties, which could dampen the spirit of his forces. While Haig's overall goal was victory through overwhelming force, the heavy losses during the Somme created an atmosphere of despair, making it harder to maintain high morale among troops.

Conclusion

In summary, the primary difference in their roles lies in Henry V's intimate, motivational leadership style compared to General Haig's more distant, strategic approach, which affected troop morale and determination during their respective conflicts.