Tactical bearing of improvements in naval equipment
Lessons of this short naval campaign
Rodney's failure to pursue the French fleet
Examination of his reasons and of the actual conditions
Probable effect of this failure upon the conditions of peace
Rodney's opinions upon the battle of April 12
Successes achieved by Rodney during his command
He is recalled by a new ministry
Exaggerated view of the effects of this battle upon the war
Subsequent career of De Grasse
Court-martial ordered upon the officers of the French fleet
Findings of the court
De Grasse appeals against the finding
He is severely rebuked by the king
Deaths of De Grasse, Rodney, and Hood


CHAPTER XIV.

CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF THE MARITIME WAR OF 1778.

The war of 1778 purely maritime
Peculiar interest therefore attaching to it
Successive steps in the critical study of a war
Distinction between "object" and "objective"
Parties to the war of 1778
Objects of the different belligerents
Foundations of the British Empire of the seas
Threatened by the revolt of the colonies
The British fleet inferior in numbers to the allies