Battle of Trafalgar

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Battle of Trafalgar - a momentous event that ended the long conflict between Britain and France, the conflict is called "second Hundred Years' War."

In 1805, the leading land power in Europe was the French Empire army led by Napoleon.And the sea was the main force of the English Royal Navy, who introduced the French naval blockade affecting its trade and mobilization of the Navy.Although quite a few successful campaigns, the French could not completely break the blockade.And then Napoleon went to the same policy, establishing the continental blockade, prohibited all dependent on a country to trade with Britain.This, in turn, affect on the British Isles and Europe.

Such was the military-political situation in this part of the world it is in such premises Battle of Trafalgar took place.

Napoleon knew that England - the main obstacle to his plans of conquest.In parallel, he developed the capture of Malta, Corsica, Corfu - island, which belonged to his opponent and is strategically important reference bases.

Battle of Trafalgar - the historic battle between the French and the Spanish and British naval forces.It began in October 1805 on the Spanish Atlantic coast near Cape Trafalgar, after whom was named.

not limited to our plans to capture the British colonies, Napoleon intended to land a major landing on the territory of Albion, and preparations for this operation, called "Boulogne expedition."

Actually, that's what started the battle of Trafalgar, the English Channel was rife with a French warship, which diverted the attention of the British fleet.

in this naval battle, which became decisive in the second Hundred Years' War, France and its allies - Spain - lost more than twenty frigates, while the part of the UK losses of military equipment did not exist.However, it ended the Battle of Trafalgar heroic way of life of the British Vice Admiral Nelson.After this battle, his name became a symbol of the legendary British naval power.

joint fleet of Spain and France in command of a French national, Admiral Pierre Villeneuve.

British squadron blocked the Franco-Spanish fleet.Admiral Villeneuve was ordered by Napoleon to break through the encirclement and escape into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea for a reunion with being there the Spanish squad.However, contrary to the Board of admirals Villeneuve held the old single-line tactics.He built the Franco-Spanish fleet in a single line.

Battle of Trafalgar was accompanied by strong winds, which worked in favor of the British: a strong current hampered the movement of vessels coalition.Nelson, without delay, take this chance and break the chain of ships, sending forward the fastest of them.French and Spanish frigates were scattered.

Legend has it that the Trafalgar battle began from the moment when Vice Admiral Nelson solemnly raised on its flagship "Victoria" flag signal indicating: "England expects that every soldier do his duty."That phrase has remained forever in the minds of Englishmen, years after the end of the battle, it is often quoted and paraphrased.

Battle of Trafalgar has become an integral part of the War of the Third Coalition, and one of the most significant marine struggles of the nineteenth century.A victory for England only confirmed the superiority of the country's water, set in the XVIII century.After his defeat, Napoleon left the aggressive plan attacks on southern England, instead of going to war against other major power in Europe: Austria and Russia.