Germany emerges as a great power in the later 19th century and ultimately challenges Britain at sea.

A small Britain pushes aside France on the sea and becomes the world’s leading salt water power.

Britain redefines its scope of empire by moving to the east.

Now we move into a global maritime community, with the Atlantic world seizing the initiative and wielding it until the mid 20th century.

Why did France fail to compete successfully with Britain at sea? What were Britain’s advantages?

Maritime Europe discovers the Pacific and we look at the life of the sailor.

A newly-united Britain, with growing prosperity and new markets, vigorously contests other maritime powers.

England admires and fights the Dutch, and begins to develop a powerful navy.

Remarkable rulers strengthen the national government. At sea, privateers capture foreign wealth and popular admiration.