The British Army has shrunk to its lowest level since the early 1800s. Years of relentless budget cutbacks have left it with just 73,000 active-duty soldiers.That's a far cry from the Chinese army ...

Here are five lessons from the Napoleonic Wars: Never underestimate British finance. Napoleon—and Hitler—are famously known to have met with the reversal of their fortunes through invading Russia.

The British Army's size may cripple its ability to support NATO or fight a major war, some experts fear. It's the smallest it's been since the 1800s.