Naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars facts for kids
The naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars were important events that happened on the seas between 1802 and 1814. These were part of a huge worldwide conflict. European countries used their navies to help their armies on land. This article talks about big naval battles and operations. These usually involved many warships, more than three or four large "ships of the line," and were led by high-ranking naval officers called "flag officers."
The fighting on the seas started when a peace agreement, called the Treaty of Amiens, broke down on May 16, 1803. Just three days later, a British admiral named William Cornwallis began blocking the French port of Brest. In 1804, William Pitt helped create a group of countries called the Third Coalition to fight against France.
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Naval battles during the Napoleonic Wars happened in many different parts of the world. Controlling the seas was super important for moving troops, supplies, and for trade.
Battles in the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea was a very active area for naval operations. Navies fought to control important trade routes and islands.
Early Operations (1803–1804)
- Royal Navy blockade of the French ports (1803)
- Royal Navy blockade of the Spanish ports (1803)
The British Royal Navy often tried to stop French and Spanish ships from leaving their ports. This was called a "blockade." It was like putting a fence around a port to stop ships from getting in or out.
Allied Actions (1805)
- Anglo-Russian invasion of Naples
In 1805, British and Russian forces worked together. They tried to invade Naples, a city in Italy, by sea.
Russian Operations in the Adriatic (1806–1807)
- Adriatic islands campaign of 1806
Russian ships were active in the Adriatic Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean. They fought for control of islands in this area.
British Operations (1807)
The British tried to force their way through the Dardanelles, a narrow waterway in Turkey. They also launched an expedition to Alexandria in Egypt. These were attempts to gain control in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Later Campaigns (1808–1814)
- Adriatic campaign of 1807–1814
- British Capri invasion
- British invasion of Naples (1809)
- British invasion of Sicily (1810)
- Ligurian campaign of 1814
Naval battles continued in the Mediterranean for many years. The British tried to invade several islands and coastal areas, including Capri, Naples, and Sicily. They also fought in the Ligurian region of Italy.
The West Indies, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, were important because of their valuable sugar trade. Controlling these islands meant controlling wealth.
Early Years (1803–1804)
- Expedition to Surinam
Naval forces were involved in expeditions to places like Surinam, a territory in South America.
Island Campaigns (1805–1807)
- West Indies islands campaign
There were many campaigns focused on controlling the different islands in the West Indies. Navies played a key role in moving troops and fighting for these territories.
The East Indies, which includes parts of Southeast Asia and India, were important for trade routes to Asia.
Campaigns (1803–1811)
- Linois's expedition to the Indian Ocean
- Java campaign of 1806–1807
- Mauritius campaign of 1809–1811
- Invasion of Java (1811)
French and British navies clashed in the Indian Ocean. There were campaigns to control islands like Java and Mauritius, which were important trading posts.
Battles in the Atlantic Ocean
The vast Atlantic Ocean was a major battleground. Control of the Atlantic meant control over trade and communication between Europe and the Americas.
Key Atlantic Operations (1803–1806)
- Royal Navy blockade of the French ports (1803)
- Royal Navy blockade of the Spanish ports (1803)
- Action of 5 October 1804
- The Trafalgar campaign (1805)
- 1805 campaign of the sea lanes (1805–1810)
- Basque Roads operation
- French commerce raiding campaign of 1805
- Buenos Aires operation of 1806
- Escape of the Portuguese fleet
The British continued their blockades of French and Spanish ports. The most famous naval battle of this period was the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where the British navy won a huge victory. There were also efforts to protect or disrupt "sea lanes," which are the routes ships use for trade. French ships also tried to raid British merchant ships, known as "commerce raiding."
The Peninsular War was fought on land in Spain and Portugal. Navies played a vital role in supporting the armies.
- British landing in Portugal (1808)
- Evacuation of the La Romana Division
- Capture of the Rosily Squadron
- 1809 Corunna and Vigo evacuation
- British landing in Portugal (1809)
- Royal Navy Peninsular War supply operation
British ships helped land troops in Portugal. They also helped evacuate soldiers from dangerous areas and supplied the armies fighting on land.
Anglo-American War (1812–1815)
This war was fought between the United States and Great Britain.
- List of naval battles of the War of 1812
- 1813–1814 High Seas operations
- 1813–1814 Great Lakes operations
Naval battles took place on the open ocean ("High Seas operations") and also on the Great Lakes, which are large freshwater lakes between the US and Canada.
The North Sea, located between Great Britain and Northern Europe, was another important area for naval control.
In 1807, the British attacked Denmark to prevent its navy from falling into French hands. This led to a period known as the "Gunboat War," where smaller Danish gunboats fought against larger British ships.
Walcheren Campaign (1809)
This was a large British expedition to the Netherlands, which involved many naval ships to transport troops and supplies.
The Baltic Sea was important for trade with countries like Sweden, Russia, and Prussia.
- Royal Navy supply of Prussian fortresses
The British navy helped supply Prussian fortresses, showing how naval power could support land forces even far inland.
Russo-Swedish War (1808–1809)
- The Russo-Swedish 1809 Campaign
Naval battles also occurred during the war between Russia and Sweden.
Anglo-Swedish War (1810–1812)
- Anglo-Swedish War (1810–1812)
Even though they were sometimes allies, Britain and Sweden also had a brief naval conflict.
