The Battle of Trafalgar

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I guess that most students of English Literature and Culture know about the Battle of Trafalgar, at least those of us who have taken Cultural Studies I in previous semesters. But what happened at the Battle of Trafalgar and when did it take place? What was the initiator for this well-remembered event and did anyone profit from it? Here is a short overview for anyone who is interested in British history.

The Battle of Trafalgar took place during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), on 21 October 1805 to be precise. The battle was set at Cape Trafalgar, Cadiz, Spain and fought between the British Royal Navy and the combined fleets of France and Spain. The Royal Navy was led by famous Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson while the French/Spanish Navy had Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as their leader. At that time Napoleon had established France as the dominant military power on land and was trying to expand his dominion which is why he was making plans on how to get to Great Britain by ship. Britain sensed a possible threat of their empire and decided to face their competitors. This is why both fleets met in Cadiz in October where the British Navy turned out to be successful and could defeat Nelson’s fleet. As a consequence of this significant victory over France and Spain, Britain gained naval supremacy and stayed the world’s biggest sea power for more than 100 years. Unfortunately though, Lord Nelson who is still celebrated as one of the heroes of British history could not cover himself with glory as he died during the battle. Nowadays you can still think of him when you go to London as there is Trafalgar Square with its famous column that was built in remembrance of Lord Nelson’s victory in 1805.

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http://www.wasistwas.de/archiv-geschichte-details/die-schlacht-bei-trafalgar.html