The Napoleonic Wars from 1793 to 1815 were a fierce rivalry between England and Napoleon's France over ideological and strategic control of Europe. Through its naval dominance and financial subsidies to allies on the continent, Britain played a key role in Napoleon's eventual defeat despite switching alliances. The wars had immense costs for Britain through high taxes, casualties of over 300,000 soldiers and sailors, and increased national debt. However, Britain's industrial capacity and command of the seas allowed it to financially outlast France and other opponents. This naval dominance and final victory at Waterloo established Britain as the world's dominant imperial power without serious rivals for much of the 19th century.