History Extra Podcast: "Did Britain Really Rule the Waves?"

Episode Overview

In the February 19, 2025 episode of the History Extra Podcast, hosted by Emily Brifitt and produced by Immediate Media, historian Nicholas A.M. Roger delves into the intricate history of the British Navy from the early 19th century up to 1945. Drawing from his latest work, The Price of Victory, Roger challenges the conventional narrative of Britain's unassailable naval dominance, exploring the multifaceted factors that influenced its rise and eventual decline.

1. Challenging the Notion of British Naval Supremacy

Timestamp: [04:10]

Roger opens by questioning the widely held belief that Britain was the unequivocal naval and economic powerhouse immediately following the French and Napoleonic Wars. Contrary to popular perception, he argues that "most of what people think of as the British Empire didn't yet exist" during the early 19th century. While Britain was indeed the largest naval force and a prominent merchant shipping nation, it was on par militarily with other European powers like Austria and Prussia. This perspective sets the stage for understanding the true extent of Britain's naval influence during this period.

Roger: “Britain wasn't in fact vastly dominant over the rest of the world. Britain was by far the largest naval power and Britain was very much prominent, if not completely dominant, in merchant shipping in the world as a whole.” ([04:10])

2. The "Price of Victory": Costs Behind Naval Dominance

Timestamp: [04:20]

The discussion shifts to the core theme of Roger's book, The Price of Victory. He elucidates that Britain's naval supremacy came at significant costs, both economically and diplomatically. One primary consequence was Britain's conscious policy to foster the growth of other nations rather than suppress them, aligning with their moral and economic understanding that indefinite dominance was unsustainable.

Roger: “But part of the price of victory was quite simply that Britain, having risen to a high level of economic development, couldn't and didn't prevent other people doing the same.” ([04:20])

3. Naval Strategy Intertwined with Global Trade

Timestamp: [11:38]

Brifitt probes deeper into how naval dominance wasn't solely about military might but also about establishing and maintaining robust global trade relationships. Roger emphasizes that securing sea routes was intrinsically linked to protecting Britain's extensive merchant fleet, which was vital for importing essential goods, including food.

Roger: “Merchant shipping and the navy are really two sides of the same coin. They're both intimately involved in national survival.” ([13:08])

4. The Adoption of Free Trade and Its Implications

Timestamp: [13:19]

A pivotal moment in British naval history, according to Roger, was the 1840s embrace of free trade. This strategic decision allowed Britain to dominate global markets by encouraging other nations to grow economically alongside it, rather than stifling their progress through protectionist policies. While this fostered extensive trade networks, it also made Britain vulnerable during wartime when enemy forces targeted merchant shipping.

Roger: “Free trade was tremendously productive as an economic decision, but in wartime it was also, as it turned out, pretty dangerous.” ([13:19])

5. Critical Crises and the Shifting Naval Landscape

Timestamp: [20:20]

Roger highlights that the 19th century was rife with political crises that continuously shaped British naval strategy. The persistent fear of French aggression, especially with the advent of steamships, underscored the necessity for a vigilant and adaptable navy. Additionally, the Anglo-German naval arms race exemplified how emerging powers could challenge Britain's naval supremacy, leading to intensified efforts to maintain dominance.

Roger: “They were obsessed for much of the 19th century with the idea that France was Britain's eternal enemy.” ([20:20])

6. The British Empire's Global Reach and Naval Priorities

Timestamp: [23:20]

The global expanse of the British Empire necessitated a naval strategy that could defend distant colonies and secure maritime trade routes. Roger explains that while settler dominions like Canada and Australia operated with significant autonomy, regions like India remained closely linked to British naval priorities. The establishment and maintenance of naval bases worldwide were crucial for projecting power and ensuring the safety of trade lanes.

Roger: “After the Second World War, the Admiralty takes it for granted that its primary function in wartime is going to be keeping the sea routes open for British shipping and everybody else's too.” ([26:24])

7. Evolution of Naval Technology: From Sail to Steam and Beyond

Timestamp: [27:54]

A significant transformation in naval warfare was the rapid technological advancements from the early 19th to mid-20th centuries. Roger outlines the transition from sail-powered ships to steamships with screws, enhancing efficiency and range. The introduction of underwater cables and telegraph systems further revolutionized naval communication and strategy, cementing Britain's dominance in international maritime affairs.

Roger: “Steam coal is another of the sinews of empire, which provides a very substantial economic benefit and helps to connect Britain to all the various foreign trading partners.” ([31:12])

8. The Rise of Submarines and Naval Air Forces

Timestamp: [34:45]

The advent of submarines and naval air forces introduced new dimensions to naval warfare. Roger discusses the strategic significance of these technologies and the bureaucratic challenges they posed. Inter-service rivalries often hampered the effective utilization of these innovations, highlighting organizational inefficiencies that affected wartime performance.

Roger: “Both submarines and aircraft in themselves represent an enormous new dimension, literally dimension of naval warfare.” ([34:45])

9. Social Impact: The Common Man and Women in the Navy

Timestamp: [37:48]

Roger shifts focus to the social history of the Navy, emphasizing the evolving roles of the common man and women. He highlights the crucial contributions of the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) during World War II, showcasing how women took on significant responsibilities that not only supported the war effort but also propelled social change in British society.

Roger: “It's one of the four kind of central themes of my book is social history of the Navy and seafaring.” ([37:48])

An illustrative anecdote involves a Wren coxswain rescuing drunken sailors during a stormy night, demonstrating the indispensable and often perilous roles women played in naval operations.

Roger: “She had just been sent out late on a stormy night to pick up 90 liberty men, men on leave... it's a really moving... glimpse of real life.” ([42:59])

10. Final Reflections: The Ongoing Importance of Naval Trade

Timestamp: [43:17]

In his concluding remarks, Roger underscores the enduring significance of naval trade to national survival. He draws parallels between historical dependencies and contemporary geopolitical tensions, warning that the ability to maintain and protect trade routes remains crucial for ensuring a nation's food security and economic stability.

Roger: “We're just to point out to people that nothing has changed. Everything still depends on our ability to trade... it could easily be a real one anytime now.” ([43:17])

Key Takeaways

• Reevaluating Naval Dominance: Britain's naval supremacy was more nuanced and less absolute than traditionally portrayed, with significant economic and diplomatic considerations shaping its rise and decline.

• Free Trade's Dual Role: While fostering economic growth and global trade networks, Britain's commitment to free trade rendered it vulnerable during conflicts when merchant shipping became a target.

• Technological Advancements: Innovations such as steamships, submarines, and naval air forces fundamentally transformed naval strategy and warfare.

• Social Dimensions: The contributions of common seamen and women, particularly through organizations like the Wrens, were pivotal in supporting naval operations and driving societal change.

• Ongoing Relevance: The historical interplay between naval power and trade remains relevant today, emphasizing the continuous need to protect and maintain open maritime trade routes.

Notable Quotes

• On British Naval Strength:

  “Britain wasn't in fact vastly dominant over the rest of the world... Britain was by far the largest naval power...” ([04:10])

• On Free Trade:

  “Free trade was tremendously productive as an economic decision, but in wartime it was also, as it turned out, pretty dangerous.” ([13:19])

• On Technological Change:

  “Steam coal is another of the sinews of empire... helps to connect Britain to all the various foreign trading partners.” ([31:12])

• On the Role of Women:

  “It's one of the four kind of central themes of my book is social history of the Navy and seafaring.” ([37:48])

• On Contemporary Implications:

  “Everything still depends on our ability to trade... it could easily be a real one anytime now.” ([43:17])

Conclusion

Nicholas A.M. Roger's insightful exploration in The Price of Victory offers a compelling reevaluation of Britain's naval history, highlighting the intricate balance between military might, economic policies, and social dynamics. This episode of the History Extra Podcast provides listeners with a deep understanding of the factors that shaped Britain's maritime legacy and underscores the lasting importance of naval power in shaping global history.