The Royal Navy in European Waters During the American Revolutionary War (Studies in Maritime History)

During the American Revolutionary War, Great Britain's Royal Navy faced foes that included, in addition to American forces, the navies of France, Spain, and the Netherlands. In this operational history of a period that proved to be a turning point for one of the world's great naval powers, David Syrett presents a saga of battles, blockades, great fleet cruises, and, above all, failures and lost opportunities. He explains that the British government severely underestimated the Americans' maritime strength and how that error led to devastating consequences. The seemingly invincible navy failed to muster even one decisive victory during the extensive naval conflict. In this operational history of a significant period for the Royal Navy, the author presents the story of the battles, blockades, great fleet cruises, and the failures and lost opportunities. He argues that the British government underestimated the American maritime strength. The failure to mobilize for war, 1775-77 -- Keppel and the Channel Fleet, 1778 -- The attempted Franco-Spanish invasion and the first relief of Gibraltar, 1779-80 -- Neutrals, naval stores, and the Royal Navy, 1778-82 -- The Channel Fleet holds the line, 1780-82.