Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 52:34-53:46

How did Napoleon apply army methods to naval warfare?

Napoleon tried to answer naval uncertainty with land-campaign timetables and more artillery, an approach illustrated by the 80-gun Tonnant-class third rates.

Napoleon BonaparteNaval DoctrineNaval GunneryNaval StrategyShip DesignTonnant Class Ships of the Line
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Question

How did Napoleon apply army methods to naval warfare?

Short answer

He demanded exact schedules and more firepower, although winds, currents, and blockades prevented fleets from following land-campaign timetables.

Notes

A land commander could use roads, weather, and expected marching distances to set a detailed timetable. At sea, winds and currents affected movement, and a blockaded fleet first had to find a chance to escape. Napoleon's insistence on reaching particular places on fixed dates therefore demanded control over conditions his naval officers could not guarantee. His artillery background also encouraged the belief that ships losing battles needed more guns, illustrated by the 80-gun Tonnant-class third rates.