For roughly two hundred years (about 1745 to 1945) the British Empire held the largest, and most powerful, navy in the world, known as the Royal Navy. How were they able to accomplish this feat?
Location
As an island, Great Britain was able to avoid many of the wars during the 17th and 18th centuries, and instead focus on building its naval fleet. Around this time, the British decided that it was most important to defend the island’s ocean borders, therefore never allowing another European power to invade their land. Most other European powers were often embroiled in the costs of war with neighboring nations, regardless. This made Britain untouchable for some time.
It’s important to note that Britain was indeed at war many times over the 17th and 18th centuries, however very few took place near or in Britain. Another power, such as France, might have to worry about invaders walking right up to its borders.
Colonies
The British Empire created the largest overseas empire that the world has ever seen. A popular phrase came about during the height of the empire:
“The Sun Never Sets On It“
The sun was always up in at least one colony of the empire, which was spread across the globe. India, Cape Colony, Australia, and Canada were some of the empire’s most profitable territories. This alone was a major factor in Britain’s ability to purchase more naval ships than any other European power.
Industrial Revolution
During the mid-18th century, the Industrial Revolution had its beginning in Britain. New inventions such as steam power and the Spinning Jenny increased productivity and allowed Britain to expand into new markets and further fund its navy.
Increased productivity fueled increased funding into trading routes, which in turn increased profits. And with the Revolution starting in Britain, the island was given something of a head-start.
Conclusion
The Royal Navy allowed the British Empire to dominate the oceans from the mid-18th century until the end of World War Two. After 1945, Britain held the world’s second largest navy, the first being the U.S. Navy. By then, the British Empire also began to decline, as the heavy costs of war proved it to be too expensive to maintain most overseas colonies.
