Why Didn't the British Army "Take Aim?"

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The British army of the American War of Independence may have trained to "Present" their muskets rather than to "Take Aim" like the Rebels did, but that doesn't mean that they weren't aiming their muskets! Indeed the British army were one of the few European forces to regularly drill their men in "Firing at marks" with live ammunition. The difference in terminology is really just that; purely nominal. In this video, I discuss how soldiers were capable, and even expected, to aim their muskets, and how they were trained to do so.

If you'd like to read more, you can find the primary sources listed in this video here:

Or, you can find some excellent secondary scholarship through these affiliate links:

With Zeal and With Bayonets Only

Noble Volunteers

Timestamps:

Intro 00:00

The Sights / Aiming a Musket 02:24

Did the Army Actually Aim? Primary Sources 06:34

Sponsored Message 09:56

Did the Army Actually Aim? Secondary Sources 12:10

So, why didn't they "Take Aim"? 15:01

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