ABSTRACT
Much of Britain's nineteenth-century greatness was based on maritime supremacy which protected both markets and territories. First twenty-five years of our period, British supremacy in both naval and mercantile shipping was not only unchallenged but unchallengeable. Naval commanders were in no doubt that they represented Britain's senior service. Much has been made of the fact that Britain was the world's first industrial nation. This emphasis is perfectly understandable since industrialism gave access to apparently limitless potential for economic growth and the emergence of new, more prosperous societies. The Industrial Revolution produced a radical shift in the geography of job creation and British wealth Central government remained in the hands of landed elite at least until the 1880s, when the growing influence of the professional classes made itself felt, especially in the Liberal party. Nineteenth-century Reform Acts all significantly increased the number of voters, though women would not gain the vote until the First World War was over.
