Nelson and the Royal Navy Flashcards
Paper 3, Topic 1, Part 1
Name the Royal Navy’s key roles
-Protect Britain from invasion
-Economic blockade of enemy seaborne trade
-Capture enemy colonies and command colonial waters
-Trade
Why was a class hierarchy maintained in the Royal Navy
Officers were mainly middle class or lower-aristocracy, recruited through patronage. The rest were often poverty stricken and homeless or imprisoned. It was crucial to keep order through hierarchy.
When was the Glorious First of June
1st June 1794
Who were the Admirals at the Glorious First of June
Lord Howe (25 ships)
Villaret Joyeuse (26 ships)
What was the reason for the Glorious First of June
Britain wanted to intercept ships coming from America with aid for the French revolution, fearing that a successful revolution would inspire one in Britain
What was the outcome of the Glorious First of June and why was it so significant
Food gets to France. 1 French ship sunk, 6 SOL captured.
First British victory at sea in ages
When was Cape St. Vincent
Valentine’s Day, 1797
Who were the Admirals and what were their numbers
John Jervis: 15 SOL and 5 frigates
Ramos: 25 SOL and 7 frigates
What was the reason for Cape St Vincent
The Second Treaty of San Ildefonso in 1796- Spain and France became allies to oppose Britain.
What was the outcome of Cape St. Vincent
Nelson and his tactic of Bridge of Battleships wins the battle with 300 casualties. Meanwhile, Spain lost 4 SOL, 800 casualties and 3000 prisoners captured.
What was Nelson’s contribution to Cape St Vincent
Bridge of Battleships tactic
Captured 2 ships
Made the Santisima Trinidad retreat (ship of the line with 140 guns (the most))
When was Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where was it and who was involved
22-5 July 1797 (5 months after Cape St Vincent), a port city in Tenerife. Spain vs Britain
Who were the Admirals and how many did they have
Nelson - 4000 regular soldiers, 3 SOL
Guiterrez - 1700
What was the plan for Santa Cruz de Tenerife
To attack the port of Tenerife and hinder the Spanish’s trade. If they lose their source of income, Spain would theoretically drop out of the war.
What was the outcome of the battle
The Spanish anticipated their attack. Nelson loses his arm. Britain loses, 250 dead, 128 wounded and 300 captured. Truce and surrender.
When was the Battle of the Nile and who was involved
August 1798. France vs Britain
Who were the admirals and how many did they have
Nelson: 14 SOL, 1 sloop (small ship with 18 guns)
D’Aigalliers: 13 SOL and 4 Frigates. 4000 troops
What was the plan of the battle of the Nile
Napoleon planned to attack India through Egypt to hurt Britain’s trade
What happened at the Battle of the Nile
Britain attacked by nightfall, anchoring the French in. They didn’t have time to set sail, so were sandwiched in.
Their ships were undermanned.
8.55pm: L’Orient caught fire, causing confusion which led to friendly fire. Remaining French ships cut their cables to avoid the fire
How did the weather affect the Battle of the Nile
the wind direction prevented the rest of the ships from helping: all they could do was wait their turn
What was so significant about L’Orient
The crew of 1000 were cut to 70
The treasure ship carrying the loot that would have funded Napoleon across British India
What was the outcome of the Battle of the Nile
Britain declared an outright victory on the morning of the third day. Prior to this, the victories had been indecisive. All but 2 French ships were captured or destroyed (9 taken, two burned and sunk)
Napoleon later said he would have taken every ship had he not been wounded
Left Napoleon stranded in Egypt
When was the Battle of Copenhagen
April 1801
