Great Britain - the Great marine power

Definition of Great Britain as the great marine power is connected first of all with conquering of enormous territories.

Owing to this factor Great Britain had to create the fleet sufficient to safeguard their interests. For instance, East Indian trading company had been established in 1600 as a result of colonization. All this became possible due to great persons, naval commanders and military operations.

Naval activity of Horatio Nelson contributed considerably to the growth of marine power of Great Britain.

Francis Drake, English seafarer famous pirate took active part in the expedition with the aim to capture vessels of Spain with slaves or treasures on board. He was the second after Magellan who undertook round the world voyage in 1580. It was he who in fact took the command in 1588 during the battle with invincible naval Spain fleet.

James Cook promoted to the strength of the Empire as the surveyor and manager of the round the world expeditions arranged by the British admiralty mainly for conquering of new lands.

Despite the failure of the British colonial system in 1947 Great Britain still remains the great maritime power since it occupies central part in the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Moreover London is the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization and International Marine Satellite organization.

The basic marine institutions such as: the Register, insurance clubs had been laid in London.

What concerns international Maritime Law as far as we know British law­makers had made considerable contribution to the maritime legislation system.

II. NOTES:

enormous – огромный

sufficient – достаточный

slaves – рабы

treasures – сокровища

invincible – непобедимый

to promote – способствовать

British Commonwealth of Nations – Британское Содружество Наций

III. ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. Why did Great Britain have to create the fleet?

2. What is the role of Great Britain?

3. Who was Francis Drake?

4. Where is the head quarters of the International Maritime organization situated?

5. Why does Great Britain remain the great maritime power?