Battle of Trafalgar

battle_name=Battle of Trafalgar

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The Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805, was the most significant naval engagement of the Napoleonic Wars and the pivotal naval battle of the 19th century. A Royal Navy fleet of 27 ships of the line destroyed an allied French and Spanish fleet of 33 ships of the line west of Cape Trafalgar in south-west Spain. The allies lost 22 ships; the British none. The British commander Admiral Lord Nelson died late in the battle, by which time his victory had ensured his place as one of Britain's greatest military heroes.

Related Topics:
21 October - 1805 - Naval engagement - Napoleonic Wars - 19th century - Royal Navy - Ships of the line - French - Spanish - Cape Trafalgar - Admiral Lord Nelson

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The British victory put an end to Napoleon's plans to invade Britain across the English Channel. Once the threat of invasion was removed, British troops could be used to fight on the European continent, which was a major factor in Napoleon's ultimate fall. After the battle, the Royal Navy remained unchallenged as the world's foremost naval power until the rise of Imperial Germany prior to the First World War, 100 years later.

Related Topics:
Napoleon - Britain - English Channel - European continent - Imperial Germany - First World War

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2005 sees the 200th anniversary of the battle, marked by Trafalgar 200 celebrations.

Related Topics:
2005 - Trafalgar 200

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