Which better explains Britain's success in the Napoleonic Wars: military and naval power or gold and diplomacy?

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                Matthew Booth

Which better explains Britain's success in the Napoleonic Wars: military and naval power or gold and diplomacy?

During the French and Napoleonic Wars Britain's main objectives in defeating France were to blockade the French coastline and attack enemy colonies by means of naval power, fight a war on the continent using small units of British forces, plus pay subsidies to allies; and lastly was to support opponents of the Revolution inside of France.  The naval strategy was successful, the others less so.

In the early nineteenth century Britain had one of the smallest army of all the major European powers.  Although through tight discipline, shrewd tactics and sound command.  This recognised Britain as being a force to be reckoned with.

The strength of the British armies tactics and commend was a major factor in the downfall of Napoleon's empire.  Arthur Wellesley (Duke of Wellington), was in charge of the British army, he was a great tactician and strategist.  When he became the leader he created the opportunity of undertaking offensive operations against Napoleon on a scale that was not before thought possible.

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Napoleon Bonaparte's army was thought of as being invincible throughout the whole of Europe.  However Britain's successful Peninsular campaign proved that this was wrong.  The British army however did not fight alone and for most of the earlier years of the wars other armies were paid subsidies to fight for the British.  The powerful Prussian and Austrian armies also helped for the British cause.

Another force that was stronger than the army was the power of the British navy.  The British navy as in strong tradition was regarded as the strongest throughout the world.  Britain paid particular attention to its ...

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