On 21 October 1805, off the coast of Spain, the Battle of Trafalgar decided the fate of Europe’s seas and reshaped the course of the Napoleonic Wars. This lecture explores one of the most decisive naval victories in history, in which the British Royal Navy, under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson, triumphed over the combined Franco-Spanish fleet.
The talk traces the dramatic build-up to the battle — from Napoleon’s ambitions to invade Britain to Nelson’s relentless pursuit of the enemy fleet. It then delves into the battle itself, examining Nelson’s daring tactics, the human stories behind the guns, and the chaos and courage that defined the day.
Finally, the lecture considers the aftermath and far-reaching consequences of Trafalgar: the death of Nelson, the securing of Britain’s naval supremacy for more than a century, and the profound influence the victory had on European geopolitics and maritime history.
This vivid and detailed presentation by Daniel Musson brings to life the strategy, heroism, and legacy of the greatest admiral who ever lived — and the battle that made him immortal.
Daniel is a long term member and has lectured extensively for U3A International on a variety of subjects.
