The Development Of British Power On Sea In Early Early Modern Times(1453--1805)

The important reason for the rapid rise of Britain is closely related to the development of sea power. The development of sea power, especially the establishment of the navy played a considerable role in the process of modern Britain’s foreign expansion and the establishment of the colonial empire.The establishment of the British sea power can be traced back to the period of Alfred the Great. At the beginning of ninth century, in order to resist the invasion of the Danes, Alfred the Great organized a conscription system, creating a navy to enhance the power of the resistance. However, the navy is not a regular armed forces in the long Middle Ages of Britain, it’s only to be formed temporarily by the king when required. And the main task of the fleet was transporting troops to the French mainland through the English Channel, but not involved in the war directly.The failure of the Britain in the Hundred Years War made the British shift their attention from the continent to the ocean and start thinking about the establishment of a maritime power to defend and expand in the sea. Henry VII encouraged the development of shipbuilding industry when he came to power. Then British sea power gradually established and became stronger under the Kings’support and efforts in each dynasty, including the establishment of the royal navy, the improvement of the naval ships and weapon, continuous improvement of strategy and tactics, as well as the key individuals outstanding contributions, such as the wise leadership of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and the naval excellent generals as the command and decision-making of Horatio Nelson in the war.