Trafalgar
1805 · Cape Trafalgar, Spain · World · Modern
The British columns broke through the enemy line, and the combined fleet was almost entirely destroyed.
Belligerents
United Kingdom
- Commanders
- Nelson
- Strength
- 27 ships of the line
Franco-Spanish combined fleet
- Commanders
- Villeneuve
- Strength
- 33 ships of the line
Background
Napoleon planned to cross the Channel and needed command of the sea, so the combined fleet was ordered out to fight a decisive battle.
Course of the battle
- Two columnsNelson drove at the enemy line of battle in two columns at right angles.
- BreakthroughBritish ships cut through the line, splitting it and destroying it section by section.
- AnnihilationIn the melee the combined fleet was routed and its ships captured.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1805 |
|---|---|
| Place | Cape Trafalgar, Spain |
| Result | The British columns broke through the enemy line, and the combined fleet was almost entirely destroyed. |
| Winner | United Kingdom |
| Casualties | The French and Spanish lost or had captured about 22 ships, with over 10,000 killed, wounded or captured; the British lost no ships, but Nelson was killed. |
| Territorial change | It established a century of British naval supremacy, and Napoleon abandoned his plan to land in Britain. |
Impact
The most decisive naval battle of the age of sailing ships of the line.
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