The naval campaigns, operations and battles of the Napoleonic Wars were events during the period of World-wide warfare between 1802 and 1814 that were undertaken by European powers in support of their land-based strategies. All events included in this article represent fleet actions that involved major naval commands larger than 3–4 ships of the line, and usually commanded by a flag officer. The period commenced with the breakdown of the Peace of Amiens on the 16 May 1803. Three days later Cornwallis began the . On 10 May 1804 William Pitt was instrumental in creating the Third Coalition.