Trafalgar was one episode in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic coalition wars, not an isolated duel. The alliances repeatedly changed membership, with states such as Spain changing sides and Dutch, German, Italian, Russian, Ottoman, and Scandinavian forces appearing in different combinations. Britain was also fighting beyond Europe, including in India, so its maritime position supported a wider global contest. British trade and the naval power protecting it could finance coalition after coalition. Napoleon's land victories therefore confronted an opponent that could keep underwriting resistance while remaining difficult to invade.
Chapter · 22:22-33:25
Coalition war and Britain's maritime advantage
Trafalgar belonged to a long cycle of coalition warfare sustained by British trade, finance, and naval power.