A strategic mismatch encouraged temporary sea control

The Rice Boats episode exposes a larger mismatch between the war Britain expected and the one it was fighting. Many of the Royal Navy’s aggressive admirals remained across the Atlantic watching for France, while the British Army kept strength at home in anticipation of a continental campaign. Forces already committed in North America then lacked the supplies and support needed to turn battlefield power into a quick victory. When France entered the war, it could move forces around the wider world while Britain’s usable troops were tied to America or reserved for Europe. Julian Corbett later discussed the French preference for securing temporary local sea control around an expedition instead of first winning permanent command of the sea. Preparation for a probable enemy had left British institutions poorly arranged for the conflict already underway.