Naval history is the study of human interactions with the sea through the use of ships and naval forces. It encompasses the development of naval technology, maritime trade, and naval warfare from ancient times to the present. Key events include the Battle of Trafalgar and the American Civil War, which shaped naval strategies and national power. Naval history also examines the roles of various navies, such as the Royal Navy and the United States Navy, in global conflicts and peacekeeping efforts. It highlights the importance of naval exploration, which led to discoveries and the establishment of trade routes across the world.