Depth 1: The French Wars (Nelson) Flashcards
What were the two major mutinies during the French Wars?
Spithead Mutiny
Nore Mutiny
Both in 1797
What happened at the Battle of the Nile?
Aboukir Bay
Out of 17 French ships, 13 were captured or destroyed.
Left Napoleon’s army stranded in Egypt.
Nelson became a war hero.
Why did Nelson’s men admire him?
He was bold and decisive; could win the crew prize money.
Instilled the notion of “duty”, but considered his crew a “band of brothers.”
Openly discussed plans with captains under him.
What happened at the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801?
Britain was worried Denmark would join France, so they attacked Copenhagen.
Famously, the commanding officer Hyde Parker signalled by flag to call off the attack. Nelson put his telescope up to his sightless eye and said he couldn’t see the flag.
The battle ended in a truce.
Why did naval warfare stagnate from 1804?
The new French naval commander, Villeneuve, was hesitant to leave port and had no confidence in France’s ability against Nelson.
What were some examples of Nelson using new naval technology and techniques?
His flagship, HMS Victory, had been improved via “coppering”- covering the wooden hull with copper sheets. It could remain at sea longer without the need to be dry-docked and repaired.
Nelson broke convention and did not keep his ships in a line. Rather, he broke the enemy ships’ line so his own ships could ravage them with fire.
What problems did Nelson and Collingwood face?
Naval strategy was often a waiting game. In the meantime, a captain had to keep his crew fit on salt beef, mouldy biscuits, foul drinking water and rum or brandy. Many sailors became sick with scurvy. Many had no proper nights of sleep.
What happened when Villeneuve escaped the Mediterranean and sailed to the West Indies?
Nelson pursued him swiftly, taking only three weeks to cross the distance rather than the usual five. His men were fit, and the French seamen were mostly sick.
Villeneuve hurried back to Europe, putting an end to Napoleon’s plans to invade Britain by sea as Villeneuve lured away the Navy.
How many ships did the British have at the Battle of Trafalgar compared to the French?
Britain had 27 ships of the line
France had 33.
What happened at the Battle of Trafalgar?
Collingwood and Nelson formed two lines of ships and broke through the enemy lines, so fighting was carried out in close quarters.
The HMS Victory ran alongside the French Redoubtable.
A sniper from the Redoubtable shot Nelson in the lung. He learned of his victory before dying.
What were the consequences of the Battle of Trafalgar?
It ended Napoleon’s hopes of invading Britain by sea; he focused on economic and land superiority instead. The French relied on neutral shipping, but neutral ships were often stopped and searched. Blockades damaged the French economy further.
