The Role of Nelson - Nelson & background

Question 1

Why was the Navy so important to Br?

Answer 1

Br = island
- needs to be well maintained
- needs to be fit for battle

Question 2

How many ships did Br have in 1792 vs. 1802?

Answer 2

1792:
- 135 ships of the line (warships)
- 133 frigates

1802:
- 202 ships of the line
- 277 frigates

Question 3

Nelson’s success as a great personality?

Answer 3

• captured public imagination
• most successful of his generation
• bold tactics
• personal bravery

Question 4

When/Where did Nelson die?

Answer 4

died at the Battle of Trafalgar - 4:30 PM, 21 October, 1805

Question 5

When did Nelson join the Navy?

Answer 5

aged 12

Question 6

When was Nelson’s first command?

Answer 6

1779: first command

Question 7

What war did Nelson fight in and because of that gained experience?

Answer 7

American War of Independence = experienced
+
1793 commanded HMS Agamemnon in the Mediterranean

Question 8

Where were there mutinies?

Answer 8

mutinies in the ports of Spithead (Portsmouth) & the Nore (Thames)

Question 9

How did the navy gain extra men?

Answer 9

used press gangs
- trick of giving drunk men the payment for joining the navy &/or kidnapping them

Question 10

What were the aims of the navy?

Answer 10

• protect from invasion
• trade
• blockade

Question 11

When/How did Nelson lose his sight?

Answer 11

1794 lost sight in Corsica (cannon fire)

Question 12

What did Nelson believe was the way to win battles?

Answer 12

Nelson = fierce believer in gunnery - trained his men & also in hand to hand combat

Question 13

What battle in 1797 was a great success for Nelson?

Answer 13

Battle of Cape st. Vincent
- captured 2 warships
- promoted to rear-admiral