Synopsis: |
Throughout the difficulties of the American Rebellion and a war in which the maritime states of Europe combined against Britain, her mercantile marine maintained trade against the odds. Then came the long conflict with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France which was by no means settled after Nelson's victory at Trafalgar. What followed was a ten-year war to maintain trade, the vital essence of Britain's ability to fight and win against the might of Napoleon's Empire. To achieve this objective, her Merchant Navy was of supreme importance and had to fight for its very existence. |