Description
Book SynopsisExamines Naval co-operation between Britain and Russia and the often underappreciated prowess of the Russian navy. Naval co-operation between Britain and Russia continued throughout the eighteenth century, with Britain providing huge assistance to the growth of Russia's navy, and Russia making an essential but often overlooked contribution to Britain's maritime power in the period. From 1698 when Tsar Peter the Great served briefly as a trainee shipwright at Deptford dockyard Russia recruited British, often Scottish, shipwrights, engineers, naval officers and naval surgeons who both helped build up the Russian navy and who were also key advisers to the Russian navy at sea. At the same time, naval stores from Russia, especially after Britain lost the American colonies, were vital for the maintenance of Britain's fleet. Moreover, as this book argues, Russian naval power was much more formidable than is often realised, with the Russian navy active alongside the British fleet in the North Sea and winning decisive battles against the Ottoman navy in the Mediterranean, including the battles of Çeşme in 1770 and Navarino in 1827. Britain did well to have Russia as a naval ally rather than an enemy. This book provides a comprehensive overview of this important subject, at a time when Britain's relationship with Russia is of considerable concern.
Trade ReviewThis book provides a strong challenge to current interpretations of the early modern alliance between Russia and Britain. MacDougall's work helps to invite new ways of thinking about alliances beyond formal political arrangements. -- Kiri Raber * H-War *
An accessible and informative history of one of the most important relationships in the eighteenth century. The focus on Russia's naval history produces an alternative perspective on some well-worn tropes of Russian history. * INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MARITIME HISTORY *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations List of Abbreviations Preface 1. Peter Mikhailov Travels to England 2.The First Entente Cordiale 3.Naval Collaboration 4. Harmony in Trade 5.Growing Naval Affinity under Three Empresses 6.Trade, Aid and Logistical Support 7.The Onset of Total War 8.The French Revolutionary War 9.The War Against Napoleon 10.Endgame Conclusion Bibliography Index
