Stanhope Memorandum facts for kids

The Stanhope Memorandum was an important document written by Edward Stanhope on December 8, 1888. He was the Secretary of State for War for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This document explained the main goals for the British Empire and how the British Army would help achieve them.

It listed the most important jobs for the Army, in order from first to last:

• Helping the police and government keep order in the United Kingdom.
• Sending extra soldiers to British India if needed.
• Providing soldiers to protect important forts, colonies, and places where ships could refuel with coal.
• Having two large groups of soldiers (called army corps) ready to defend the home country.
• Being able to send one of these two groups of soldiers to fight in a war in Europe.

What Was the Stanhope Memorandum?

The Stanhope Memorandum was like a special plan or set of instructions. It was written in 1888 by a very important person named Edward Stanhope. This document explained what the British Army should focus on. It was all about protecting the British Empire and making sure the army was ready for different situations.

Who Was Edward Stanhope?

Edward Stanhope was a British politician. At the time he wrote this document, he held a very important job. He was the Secretary of State for War. This meant he was in charge of the British Army and all its activities. His role was to make sure the army was strong and prepared.

Why Was This Document Important?

The Stanhope Memorandum was important because it clearly set out the main goals for the British Army. Before this document, it wasn't always clear what the army's top priorities were. This memorandum helped to organize and direct the army's efforts. It made sure everyone knew what the most important tasks were for defending the British Empire.

What Were the Army's Main Jobs?

The document listed five main jobs for the British Army. These jobs were ranked from most important to least important.

Helping at Home

The very first job was to help the police and other government groups keep peace and order inside the United Kingdom. This meant the army could be called upon to support civil authorities if there were big problems or emergencies at home.

Protecting India

The second priority was to send extra soldiers to British India. India was a very important part of the British Empire. The army needed to be ready to send reinforcements quickly if there were any threats or conflicts there.

Guarding Forts and Colonies

Next, the army had to provide soldiers to guard important places. These included strong forts, various colonies around the world, and "coaling stations." Coaling stations were places where ships could stop to get more coal for their engines. Protecting these spots was vital for the British Navy and trade routes.

Defending the Homeland

The fourth job was to have two large groups of soldiers, known as army corps, ready to defend the United Kingdom itself. This meant keeping a strong force at home to protect against any possible invasion or attack.

Ready for European Wars

Finally, the document stated that the army should be able to send one of these two home-defense groups to fight in a war in Europe. This showed that Britain was also thinking about its role in bigger conflicts on the European continent.