EMPIRE: THE CHANGING NATURE OF THE ROYAL NAVY

What role does the British Navy play?

‘Britain's development between 1714 and 1837 had an important international and military dimension. An empire based on commerce, sea power and naval dominance consolidated British overseas settler societies.’ 

TIMELINE

• 1763 – Royal Navy had gained superiority over the French, Dutch and Spanish fleets.

• 1794 – First experimental steamship was used.

• 1805 – Royal Navy had gained superiority over the combined strength of the other European powers.

• 1873 – use of sails is abandoned on Royal Navy warships

• 1889 – Naval Defence Act

How did the Royal Navy evolve? -  “The age of sail” 16^th – mid-19^th century

• Ships carried rows of cannons mounted on their sides and disabled their enemies by discharging them simultaneously.

• Victorious ships were those who had more guns and could fire them more quickly and could manoeuvre during battle to avoid an enemies broadside. 

How did the Royal Navy evolve? - The steam ship

In times of warfare British ships were ship of the line. 

The Royal Navy scaled these ships dependent on their warfare power.

By the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 the Royal Navy outpaced the French and Spanish.

These ships were limited in their ability to sail near to the shore line due to their size.

Therefore frigates were used to patrol shore lines.

Why is the battle of Trafalgar significant?

The Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on October 21, 1805, off the coast of Cape Trafalgar in Spain, is significant for the British for several reasons:

Naval Supremacy: The Battle of Trafalgar was a decisive naval victory for the British Royal Navy against the combined fleets of France and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars. It solidified British naval supremacy, ensuring that Napoleon's plans for invading Britain were thwarted.

Leadership of Admiral Nelson: The British victory at Trafalgar was largely attributed to the leadership of Admiral Horatio Nelson, one of the most celebrated naval commanders in British history. Nelson's tactics, particularly his innovative use of the "Nelson Touch," allowed the British fleet to defeat a larger and more heavily armed enemy force.

Death of Admiral Nelson: Despite the victory, the Battle of Trafalgar was also marked by the death of Admiral Nelson. He was mortally wounded by a sniper's bullet aboard his flagship HMS Victory during the battle. His death elevated him to the status of a national hero in Britain, and he remains one of the most revered figures in British history.

Enduring Symbolism: The Battle of Trafalgar has endured as a symbol of British naval prowess and national pride. It is commemorated annually in Britain and has been immortalized in literature, art, and popular culture.

Overall, the Battle of Trafalgar is significant for the British because it secured their dominance at sea, prevented a French invasion of Britain, and cemented the reputation of Admiral Nelson as one of Britain's greatest military heroes.

What was the “Age of steam” - 19^th Century?

• The introduction of steam power in the 19th century revolutionised the shipping industry and made Britain a world-leader in shipbuilding.

• In 1794, the Earl of Stanhope built a steam-powered vessel named the Kent. This was an experimental ship which, though not successful itself, showcased how a steamship could work. In 1801, a small steamer called the Charlotte Dundas ran trials on the Forth and Clyde Canal near Glasgow.

• By the time Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837, steam-powered vessels were in use across the country. There was even a regular steamship service across the North Atlantic by Brunel's Great Western. 

How did the Royal Navy evolve? - Arms race

Britain sought to retain its position as global leader when it came to Naval Power.

This led to an arms race and modernisation of the Royal Navy.