Empire Of The Seas

Historian Dan Snow charts the defining role the Royal Navy played in Britain's struggle for modernity - a grand tale of the twists and turns which thrust the people of the British Isles into an indelible relationship with the sea and ships.

Overview Credits Watch Reviews Seasons Images Videos Recommendations Similar

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Empire Of The Seas

First Air Date

January 15, 2010

Last Air Date

February 5, 2010

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

BBC

Networks

BBC Two

S01E04

Sea Change

Dan Snow explores how Britain emerged as the global superpower during the 19th century, building on Nelson's triumph at the Battle of Trafalgar. By 1848, the country enjoyed relative peace due to naval domination, but the growing threat posed by Germany led to Admiral `Jackie' Fisher introducing plans to modernize the force by building battleships like the Dreadnought. An arms race between the two countries ensued, which led to the 1916 conflict at Jutland in World War One, considered a strategic victory for the Allies. Last in the series

View Episodes