Britain’s Navy faced a range of challenges in the second half of the 18th century. The protection of a worldwide network of trade and empire imposed continuous demands on its resources. From 1775 to 1783, the Navy was engaged in an ultimately losing battle to suppress Britain’s North American colonies in their struggle for independence.
Nor could national security be taken for granted, in view of Britain’s lack of Continental allies and the ever-present possibility of a hostile Franco-Spanish alliance. Given the small size of the Army, only a well maintained and drilled fleet could fend off the ultimate threat of invasion and occupation.
It was fortunate for Britain in these critical decades that, alongside some decidedly mediocre naval commanders, it possessed at least two outstanding admirals. George Rodney and Richard Howe were near contemporaries. Both made a major contribution to the development of the Navy.
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