Spain's first rates protected a dispersed empire

Spain built classes of first rates to give a widely dispersed navy powerful individual ships. Protecting its empire and treasure convoys required escorts that could discourage attacks despite limited numbers. A first rate's height and heavy shot made it a difficult opponent, and British commanders with only third rates generally wanted two or three against it. Spain also had to consider France as a naval threat, and French service included ships acquired from the Spanish navy. At Trafalgar, Spain supplied fifteen ships of the line, including four first rates, alongside eighteen French ships of the line. In this comparison, Spain's larger individual ships put its contribution roughly level with the French in combat power.