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The series is split into four episodes of about 50-minutes
- A Thirst For Blood and Iron (1800-1906), Clash of the Dreadnoughts
(1906-1916), The Darkness of the Future (1916-1939) and Terror
From Above (1939-present day) - covering the major episodes
in the chronology of battleships.
Britain's Royal Navy figures heavily in the series as its
early rivalries for naval supremacy over France, Spain and
Holland set the tone for its ability to not only protect itself
from invasion, but also project its influence around the world.
To do this Britain had a doctrine of staying more powerful
that its two closest rivals put together.
After the Battle
of Trafalgar, Britain definitely ruled the waves - and
that continued despite the attentions of other powers to building
up their navies. If France designed a steamship or iron ship,
then Britain developed better ones.
Apart from some excellent imagery and footage of naval battles,
the most interesting thing about the series is following the
arms race through the ages.
By building steel vessels called Dreadnoughts at the turn
of the century, Britain almost shot herself in the foot because
overnight its entire naval supremacy was almost wiped out.
Its numerous old vessels became obsolete and suddenly other
powers could almost begin to match the great Royal Navy.
When Germany decided to challenge Britain in the naval stakes
the road to war was inevitable.
After World War I most nations - except the US - hauled back
on production, and so America became the world's equal most
powerful navy. Even early this century, Britain's fear of
a strong US navy could have led to another war between the
now-firm friends. Since World War 2 the Soviets replaced the
Royal Navy as America's only naval challenge.
The Battleships is a marvellous piece of work that details
the politics and developments of the battleship and is one
of those series you sit down to one rainy afternoon and watch
the lot in one sitting.
Conclusion: Movie 85%, Extras 50%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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