A strong Mediterranean presence reflected the trade passing through to the Far East. The Home Fleet protected Britain, the empire's economic hub. Transatlantic trade also explains the Navy's presence in North America and South America. The differing strength of the South Atlantic force off Africa and the South American division is tied to the trade shown on the map.
Notable Point · 1:16-1:54
Why the Royal Navy deployed where trade flowed
Mediterranean, Home Fleet, North American, South American, and South Atlantic deployments are explained through the volume and direction of imperial trade.