The straits posed a joint operational problem rather than a route that ships could master by navigation and gunfire alone. Britain had already encountered the difficulties of forcing the Dardanelles in 1807, yet the World War I campaign repeated the attempt without first solving the land problem. Hornby's 1877-78 intervention succeeded because he obtained troops and used them to occupy and reinforce decisive positions. Maritime access creates opportunity, but soldiers or marines may still be needed to convert passage into durable control.
Notable Point · 13:59-15:00
Why forcing the Dardanelles also required troops
Britain's troubled Dardanelles operations in 1807 and World War I contrast with Hornby's 1877-78 passage, where ships carried troops able to secure positions ashore.