200 Years of Trafalgar: From Jubilation to Commemoration

The author of this article attempts to trace the evolution British memory concerning Battle Trafalgar, which predetermined long-term dominance Britain on seas. Almost immediately after receiving first news Trafalgar and death H. Nelson, large-scale ceremonies began were associated with a grand victory national scale. By beginning twentieth century, era “living memory” was over. At same time, radical changes in balance geopolitical forces made think again about Trafalgar. Even though First Second World Wars pushed images glorious victories at sea distant Napoleonic wars into background minds British, during 150th anniversary military state elite tried revive past, using “historical resources” maintain spirit. dynamics awareness public importance remarkable as it evolved from semi-indifference events widest scope. Fifty years later, London another attempt use raise patriotic sentiments among youth, well strengthen military-strategic partnership its allies. analysts noted progressive loss fundamental moments for identity British. concludes that perception image by has passed difficult path over 200 years, demonstrated variant development memory”, which, despite all preserve energy direction original impulse, is being inevitably replaced what now commonly called commemoration.