"How will history judge Horatio Nelson?" Topic

"Whether we like it or not, Horatio Nelson remains central to our national image. He stands in majesty at the heart of London, celebrating Britain's part in the defeat of Napoleonic France and the establishment of our global empire. The greatest warrior this country has produced, and the defining genius of naval command, his name and example have inspired the Royal Navy, and most other nations' fleets, to strive for perfection.

But Nelson means more than battles and glory: he remains the ultimate example of leadership. His leadership was a two-way process. Leaders and led need to have confidence in each other, to share common beliefs and values. Operating in an age of astonishing political, social and strategic change, Nelson mastered the complex business of ships and the sea, winds, currents, strategy, tactics, time and logistics. His unique genius elevated the art of war at sea to a new level, combining blinding simplicity with terrible power. Nelson understood the need to annihilate the enemy, to secure all the fruits of battle. His battles served the political object of the campaign and conflict: they were about winning on the largest scale; he did not seek mere tactical triumphs, only engagements that produced major strategic change. This was why the battles of the Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar were so remarkable. They changed history.

At the same time he cared for his officers and men with the paternal instincts of a country parson. Nelson took his officers into his confidence and explained to them the ultimate purpose of his actions, to ensure that they would be able to think for themselves if they could not see his signals. He enabled all to excel by taking the time and trouble to place them where they would be most useful and allowing all to contribute to the ultimate victory. He was a brilliant motivator.

But he did not rely on fine words. Nelson led the fleet into harm's way, picking out the enemy flagship as his target, leaving it a crippled hulk and the enemy fleet a leaderless mob. After that his followers could complete the task…"
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Amicalement
Armand

Personally I think that after 200 years, how "History will judge" him has been pretty well answered.

These things take time. Let's not rush to hasty judgement.

Yeah, I'm with Jowady. When I read the Topic heading the very first thought that came to mind was " … are you kidding, history has already judged him! The jury is IN on Horatio Nelson!"

"Not bad for a ginger?"

Actually, the writer does bring up some good points, especially the 1798-99 Neopolitan War, but I think most of us already know and acknowledge Nelson's faults and foibles.

It doesn't hoit to knock the cobwebs off every once in a great while.

History never has a final static judgement, every new wave of historians comes up with a re-assessment or a new angle. Until eventually History forgets you entirely.

I love how we tend to focus on the man's faults as if he were an exception among the sea captains of the age. Read anything about the Continental Navy or later the fledgling US Navy and you find story after story about ego, backbiting, womanizing, etc. (I just finished 'Six Frigates' and 'Give Me a Fast Ship', so it's fresh in my mind.)

Doesn't take away from the greatness of Nelson as a leader of men in combat.

> I just finished 'Six Frigates'

Great book! Highly recommended.

What GurKhan have said…

Amicalement
Armand

While it is true that historical judgements do vary (look at the Netflix show Napoleon) I think Nelson's position is pretty secure

Not really sure but there is a good possibility of seeing him say in bronze and on top a very tall column in a prominent location.

In fact, there were two such representations until 1966.

If they ever hand out awards to fighting admirals, the little statuettes will be nick-named "Horatios". End of story.

It bears mention that Lady Hamilton thought very highly of him as well. The short little one-eyed, one-armed dude did not let his infirmities get in the way of being a true ladies man.

B

But… wasn't him married?…

Amicalement
Armand

I just finished 'Six Frigates'

Great book! Highly recommended.

100% agreed. 'Give Me a Fast Ship' is just as good imho.

He was indeed. He was also frequently seasick.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Depends as usual who writes it. I fear the neo- european populations, having scant cultural nor historical connections with Horatio, might push him in the dark forgiven recess of history.

Dunno, Jcfrog, the aforementioned bronze statue on large column in a square named for his greatest victory kind of prevents that.

Being often in the "east" I can vouch that statues are never safely anchored no matter what and how good or universally loved once, the namesake was.
Hope he will stay and every one about will be expected to do his duty.

Jcfrog – I can assure that the Danish will remember him for the scoundrel he was ;-)

Perspective and all.

And the republicans in Naples?
Oh well… Still a giant.

I don't see too much alteration in the history of Horatio Nelson. His naval history is pretty well concrete and even by early 19th century standards the affair with Lady Hamilton appears non-detrimental in his standing in society.