How will the British react if the Battle of Trafalgar went decisively in favor of the Franco-Spanish fleet? Is it enough for them to consider making peace with Napoleon? Or will they be out for blood and push further to take France down?
I disagree that it wouldn't have any significant effect.
N's army is waiting for news of Trafalgar at Bologne. If the French Navy, beat up though it may be, is victorious, N has time to cross the Channel. That butterflies the entire rest of the conflict, even if he only gets a portion of his army across. That's all he needs to march on London and decide the war, imo.
I disagree that it wouldn't have any significant effect.
N's army is waiting for news of Trafalgar at Bologne. If the French Navy, beat up though it may be, is victorious, N has time to cross the Channel. That butterflies the entire rest of the conflict, even if he only gets a portion of his army across. That's all he needs to march on London and decide the war, imo.
Trafalgar was on October 21.
The day before that, "N's army" was receiving the capitulation of the unfortunate General Mack in central Germany.
Right.
Whatever the result of the battle, Trafalgar was too late for any french Channel crossing attempt.
Well British knew if Trafalgar Battle were losed they would be destroyed.Nelson,the best Admiral from World (in that era) decided that if they would retreat Napoleon would have a certain victory and a supremacy over Atlantic Ocean.If France would won, the Spanish fleet would advanced on Ireland for a massive attack and france on British isles from 2 directions.West and South.If Britan failed and were conquered France would advanced on Norway having a free way to attack Russia on 3 different ways.North Center and South.....
materially it's not a problem.