The French expedition had been intended to seize wealth, but its defeat instead generated prize money for British sailors and officers. Ville de Paris alone reportedly carried about £500,000 intended for the invasion force. A later rough CPI estimate in the stream puts that sum near £88 million in 2021. Distribution of the money tied personal fortunes directly to capture at sea. Rodney received a peerage and a £2,000 annual settlement, while Hood also entered the peerage. Drake and Affleck became baronets, showing how the state converted battlefield success into lasting social and political reward.
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Prize money and honours rewarded the British victors
Cash carried aboard Ville de Paris enriched British crews, while Rodney, Hood, Drake, and Affleck received titles and state rewards.