By 1755 Britain already possessed an overseas empire, an expanding maritime economy and the strongest navy in Europe. Strategic policy would ensure that, over the next sixty years, despite the loss of colonies in America, Britain's maritime power would grow. The dominant position achieved by 1815 was the product of long-term success in maintaining the security of the British Isles and of its territorial interests overseas. The implementation of this policy demanded the maintenance of armed forces and of logistical support for them, which in turn required resources. Defence of the British Isles, its trade and colonies was complemented by a consistent concern to prevent any European power or alliance from achieving hegemony on the continent. This demanded the use of land forces which were also used in amphibious operations overseas and for garrisoning territories controlled by Britain. All these demands existed in British strategic thought from the sixteenth century but they were not all addressed together until the early 1700s, and were not answered by a coordinated policy until the mid eighteenth century. Thereafter, state expansion overseas, building upon effective defence in home waters, gave rise to a system of supply permitting the global disposition of both the army and the navy.

The shaping of Britain's defence policy

Geography and defence

The most constant factor in British policy was the effect of geography. The Mediterranean and Baltic inland seas fostered early maritime powers which employed galley technology.