British Secretary of State for War Edward Cardwell officially abolished the purchase of commissions.

If an officer died in battle, their rank could not be sold; the next senior officer was promoted for free. 3. Sociological and Political Rationale

(1980). The Army and Society, 1815–1914. London: Longman.

The purchase of military ranks was a fascinating intersection of capitalism, feudalism, and military strategy. While it successfully tied the interests of the wealthy elite to the stability of the state, it did so at the cost of military efficiency and human life. Its abolition marked the birth of the modern, professionalized military based on merit and training. References

(1980). The Purchase System in the British Army, 1660–1871. London: Royal Historical Society.

This conflict exposed the catastrophic incompetence of purchased leadership, most famously demonstrated by the suicidal "Charge of the Light Brigade."