Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson had a passionate belief in his ability to become a hero. His famous naval career began in 1771 when he was only twelve years old, and ended with his death at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21st October 1805. His victories and great courage caught the public imagination, and he was indeed considered a hero, both in his own lifetime and in the Victorian period following his death.
Almost 200 years later, he is still a character that arouses great interest. Nelson himself, his family and friends, left a great many letters, diaries and other materials that give us the evidence on which to base a study of his life.
The period of Nelson's lifetime was one in which agricultural and industrial revolution and population growth led to enormous economic and social changes. The tremendous expansion of manufacture was to provide the impetus for British expansion into the world in a search for markets in which to trade its goods. The Royal Navy would thus assume a vital role in protecting British ships trading throughout the world, to the Baltic, India, the North American colonies and the West Indies.
Although overall a time of economic growth, there were also periodic slumps linked to the effects of war, harvest failure, and unemployment which led to social unrest and protest. Amongst the establishment there was therefore a great fear of the spread of ideas such as those of the French Revolution
Years of war
The period of Nelson's lifetime was one of many wars. He was born during the Seven Years War (1756-63) between Britain and France. The alliance of the French with America in the War of American Independence (1775-82) led to further war between the two countries. The Revolutionary Wars (1793-1801) marked a renewal of hostilities. The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) followed the French attempt to extend their revolution across Europe. Britain was thus at war again, at times with Spain as well as France. These events provide the setting for the powerful