Naval Battles: 1600-1800
From pirates roaming the Caribbean to the development of the line of battle and professional navies, the period 1600-1800 saw revolutionary changes in how war was conducted at sea. These resources will aid in better understanding this dynamic time.
Second Anglo-Dutch War: Raid on the Medway
The Raid on the Medway occurred in 1667, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Penetrating the Thames estuary, Dutch ships attacked up the River Medway as far as Chatham, capturing or destroying several English ships. One of the worst naval defeats ever inflicted on the British, the raid led to a quick peace in favor of the Dutch.
The Raid on the Medway occurred in 1667, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Penetrating the Thames estuary, Dutch ships attacked up the River Medway as far as Chatham, capturing or destroying several English ships. One of the worst naval defeats ever inflicted on the British, the raid led to a quick peace in favor of the Dutch.
American Revolution: Bonhomme Richard vs. HMS Serapis
Meeting off Flamborough Head, England, Commodore John Paul Jones, aboard Bonhomme Richard, and his squadron captured the British warships HMS Serapis and HMS Countess of Scarborough. The battle was a major embarrassment for the Royal Navy and was one of the most famous American naval triumphs of the war.
Meeting off Flamborough Head, England, Commodore John Paul Jones, aboard Bonhomme Richard, and his squadron captured the British warships HMS Serapis and HMS Countess of Scarborough. The battle was a major embarrassment for the Royal Navy and was one of the most famous American naval triumphs of the war.
American Revolution: Battle of the Chesapeake
Fought on September 5, 1781, the Battle of the Chesapeake was fought between the British and French off the Virginia Capes. While tactically inconclusive, the Battle of the Chesapeake was a strategic victory for the French and their American colonial allies as it prevented the relief of Gen. Cornwallis' besieged army at Yorktown.
Fought on September 5, 1781, the Battle of the Chesapeake was fought between the British and French off the Virginia Capes. While tactically inconclusive, the Battle of the Chesapeake was a strategic victory for the French and their American colonial allies as it prevented the relief of Gen. Cornwallis' besieged army at Yorktown.
Russo-Swedish War: Battle of Svensksund
Fought in 1790, the Battle of Svensksund was one of the largest naval battles ever contested in the Baltic. Fought between Sweden and Russia, the Battle of Svensksund was one of the greatest victories in Swedish naval history and was the climax of the Russo-Swedish War.
Fought in 1790, the Battle of Svensksund was one of the largest naval battles ever contested in the Baltic. Fought between Sweden and Russia, the Battle of Svensksund was one of the greatest victories in Swedish naval history and was the climax of the Russo-Swedish War.
Wars of the French Revolution: Battle of Cape St. Vincent
The Battle of Cape St. Vincent was fought on February 14, 1797, during the Wars of the French Revolution. Engaging off Cape St. Vincent, Portugal, a smaller British fleet under Adm. Sir John Jervis won a stunning victory over the Spanish. In the battle, Commodore Horatio Nelson played a key role in disrupting the Spanish line.
The Battle of Cape St. Vincent was fought on February 14, 1797, during the Wars of the French Revolution. Engaging off Cape St. Vincent, Portugal, a smaller British fleet under Adm. Sir John Jervis won a stunning victory over the Spanish. In the battle, Commodore Horatio Nelson played a key role in disrupting the Spanish line.
Wars of the French Revolution: Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was fought July 22-25, 1797. Attacking Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Royal Navy vessels under Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson attempted to capture Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Repulsed, Nelson lost his right arm during the battle.
The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was fought July 22-25, 1797. Attacking Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Royal Navy vessels under Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson attempted to capture Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Repulsed, Nelson lost his right arm during the battle.
The Quasi-War: America's First Conflict
The Quasi-War was an undeclared maritime conflict between the United States and France. Fought between 1798-1800, the Quasi-War was the result of disagreements regarding the United States' neutrality during the wars of the French Revolution.
The Quasi-War was an undeclared maritime conflict between the United States and France. Fought between 1798-1800, the Quasi-War was the result of disagreements regarding the United States' neutrality during the wars of the French Revolution.
Wars of the French Revolution: Battle of the Nile
The Battle of the Nile was fought on August 1/2, 1798 in Aboukir Bay. Attacking the French in a night action, Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed into Aboukir Bay and engaged the fleet of Vice Admiral François-Paul Brueys D'Aigalliers. In the battle that ensued, Nelson destroyed or captured the bulk of the French fleet.
The Battle of the Nile was fought on August 1/2, 1798 in Aboukir Bay. Attacking the French in a night action, Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson sailed into Aboukir Bay and engaged the fleet of Vice Admiral François-Paul Brueys D'Aigalliers. In the battle that ensued, Nelson destroyed or captured the bulk of the French fleet.