

Andrew Lambert, "No More Napoleons: How Britain Managed Europe from Waterloo to World War One" (Yale UP, 2025)
Oct 7, 2025
Andrew Lambert, a prominent Professor of Naval History at King's College London, dives into Britain's strategic mastery post-Napoleonic Wars. He reveals how Britain cleverly manipulated European powers to maintain balance and prevent threats from arising. Lambert discusses Napoleon's failed invasion plans and the significance of the Battle of Trafalgar. He also highlights the importance of maritime power and trade, British diplomatic strategies, and the evolution of naval tactics leading up to World War One, advocating for a focus on maritime strengths in contemporary strategy.
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Offshore Strategy After Napoleon
- Britain built a stable European order after Napoleon that it could manage from the sea rather than the continent.
- This offshore strategy let Britain rebuild its economy and expand global maritime dominance.
Island Power Shaped Strategy
- Britain developed a maritime strategic perspective because it is an island without continental territory.
- Prioritizing the navy enabled trade, lower army spending, and shaped Britain into a sea-focused power.
Napoleon's Boulogne Bluff
- Andrew Lambert explains Napoleon's Boulogne army was largely bluff rather than a viable invasion force.
- Napoleon used the assembly at Boulogne to deceive Britain and move forces to continental campaigns like Austerlitz.