Q&A · 3:19:59-3:20:54

Hood's likely mission in a 1791 war with Russia

Britain would likely blockade the Baltic, support Sweden, contain St. Petersburg, and reinforce Ottoman pressure from the Mediterranean and Black Sea approaches.

Question

What would Hood's fleet have aimed to do if the Russian Armament of 1791 led to war?

Short answer

Blockade Russia's Baltic access, support Sweden, and coordinate Mediterranean pressure in support of the Ottomans.

Notes

The proposed maritime coalition strategy extends beyond a single fleet battle. Hood's force would enter the Baltic, support Sweden, and blockade Russian access around St. Petersburg. A Mediterranean force could meanwhile pressure the Black Sea approaches and support the Ottoman Empire. Royal Navy mobility would thus connect allied regional forces and force Russia to answer threats on more than one coast.