How would Trafalgar unfold if the same people fought it with 1850s steam warships?
Short answerProbably with a similar result, but the British approach would be faster and boiler explosions could make the battle more destructive.
NotesSteam propulsion would let the British approach more rapidly and with less dependence on the wind. The broad tactical outcome would probably resemble Trafalgar because the commanders and other decisive factors remain unchanged. The battle would unfold faster and at more predictable approach angles. It could also be more lethal because damaged boilers add a major source of catastrophic internal explosion. New propulsion changes tempo and consequences without necessarily changing command quality.