The Trafalgar Myth

Nelson's strategy of cutting the enemy line and surrounding their rear was very sound, but not quite as new or revolutionary as he presented it. Despite holding a numerical advantage, the combined fleet had not managed to destroy or capture a single British vessel. If not for Admiral Gravena's quick thinking and expert sailing, every ship in the combined fleet that was actually engaged might have been captured or sunk. Trafalgar was an illustration of just how far the Royal Navy had outclassed all its rivals. After Trafalgar, the French knew they could not risk another battle on the same scale.