Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 44:42-45:53

James II and the development of signal flags

James II combined existing signaling ideas with contributions of his own, while his command skills proved poorly suited to governing a constitutional monarchy.

Age Of SailJames II and VIINaval CommunicationsRoyal Navy
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Question

Did James II really invent the signal-flag system?

Short answer

He combined several people's ideas and appears to have added some of his own.

Notes

James II brought together other people's signaling ideas and added some of his own. His contribution therefore included developing the system as well as supporting it. His competence as an admiral and general did not translate into effective kingship. He tried to control the country as though he were directing a military staff, while Britain was already moving toward constitutional monarchy. Governing required political skills that command experience alone did not supply.