(Aug. 1, 1798) Battle between the British fleet under
In a plan to constrict British trade routes by invading Egypt, {{link=Napoleon">Napoleon ordered the French fleet to sail from its port of Toulon to Alexandria. The French eluded the British fleet to reach Abū Qīr Bay, where they anchored in a defensive line. Nelson discovered the French at twilight and ordered an immediate attack. In an all-night battle, the British destroyed or captured all but two of the 13 French ships. The decisive victory isolated Napoleon's army in Egypt and secured British control of the Mediterranean.