During the Napoleonic period several critical decisions had a major influence on the future of the French Empire. Unquestionably, one of the most catastrophic decisions centered around Napoleon\u27s efforts to subjugate Portugal and Spain. This in turn, forced Great Britain to commit its wealth, manpower, and ultimately its future to the struggle for control of the Peninsula. ln the initial stages of this conflict, the Royal Navy became the cutting edge of Britain\u27s new offensive
