Portland Public Library

A history of the Royal Navy, the Napoleonic Wars, Martin Robson

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 235-257) and index

illustrationsmapsplates

index present

non fiction

A history of the Royal Navy

bibliography

870649510

Martin Robson

A history of the Royal Navy series

the Napoleonic Wars

The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars were the first truly global conflicts. The Royal Navy was a key player in the wars and the key enabler of British success - at the cessation of hostilities Britain emerged as the only power capable of sustained global hegemony based on maritime and naval strength. The most iconic battles of any era were fought at sea - from the Battle of the Nile in 1798 to Nelson's momentous victory at Trafalgar in October 1805. This book looks at the history of the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars from a broad perspective, examining the strategy, operations and tactics of British seapower. While it delves into the details of Royal Navy operations such as battle, blockade, commerce protection and exploration, it also covers a myriad of other aspects often overlooked in narrative histories including the importance of naval logistics, transport, relations with the army and manning. An assessment of key naval figures and combined eyewitness accounts situate the reader firmly in Nelson's navy. Through an exploration of the relationship between the Navy, trade and empire, Martin Robson highlights the contribution the Royal Navy made to Britain's rise to global hegemony through the nineteenth century Pax Britannica

Preface: The ever to be lamented death of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson -- Introduction: Wherever there is water to float a ship, we are sure to find you in our way -- 1. Never was a more hard fought action in the Seas: Home Waters, 1793-1802 -- 2. Nelson's patent bridge for boarding first rates: the Mediterranean, 1793-1802 -- 3. The first point to make perfectly certain: the Global War, 1793-1802 -- 4. I do not say they cannot come, I merely say cannot come by sea: the invasion threat, 1802-05 -- 5. Engage the enemy more closely: the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805 -- 6. I cannot too much lament not to have arrived a few days sooner: Home Waters and the Baltic, 1805-15 -- 7. Our maritime superiority: the Mediterranean and the Peninsular War, 1805-15 -- 8. The carrier of the commerce of the continent of Europe: economic warfare, 1805-15 -- 9. A complete stop to all trade and intercourse by sea: the War of 1812 -- Epilogue: That will do ... Fire, my fine fellows: Algiers, 1816 -- Conclusion: Lords of the sea

Napoleonic wars