Battle of Trafalgar Theory
By MJM & Shino'sDad
Before you read this extensive theory on the next few chapters of One Piece, please note that this theory contains many spoliers. In addition, note that any reference in quotations was provided by Wikipedia. I will link to the specific pages I have used. This theory has been supported, to an extent, with many facts relating to the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Marines = Britain
Britain, at the time, was considered to be a world leader that had strong influence over the actions of the rest of the world. In addition, note that Britain has been known to have the strongest navy in the world.
Doflamingo Family = Spain
It is obvious that Dressrosa has many aspects of Spain. Spain has had an unusual lineage of kings and queens prior to and after the Battle of Trafalgar. This may be represented in the idea that Doflamingo has some sort of issue, regarding power, between him and his family.
Law Hat Alliance = France
Before the Napoleonic Era of France, France wasn't stable as a country. It had gone through the French Revolution which allowed for a new government. But this was still unstable until Napoleon came to power. Although this might be a stretch, you could say Law was the Napoleon to the Straw Hats' France.
This whole theory is based on the assumptions that the above three parties are the equivalents of the three countries that participated in the Battle of Trafalgar. Some light background information on the Battle of Trafalgar, the Battle of Trafalgar was a part of the Napoleonic Wars. It involved the three aforementioned parties; specifically, Britain opposed the allied France and Spain. Now, claiming that Doflamingo and the Law Hats would become allies is a little far fetched, however the fact that Law had prior affiliation with Doflamingo could be a nod at the France & Spain Alliance. In real life, Spain and France have also had unusual relations due to a shared dynasty, which is something to be considered. Now into the theory itself.
First, let's discuss the naval leaders of the three countries during the war and the three main characters present on Green Bit at the end of Chapter 712.
Britain was led by Lord Horatio Nelson. The Marines are led by Admiral "Fujitora" Issho. It is important to note that Nelson had lost one arm and vision in one eye in battle. Fujitora has lost vision in both eyes, although one seems to be more open than the other, and has yet to reveal the arm that does not hold his weapon. (Note that this is the most significant of the parallels of the leaders).
Spain was led by Don Federico Carlos Gravina y Nápoli. Donquixote Doflamingo is present on Greenbit. Interestingly, Gravina came from wealth and/or aristocracy but chose to join the Navy at a young age. Although Doflamingo has not been revealed to have joined the Marines, it is hinted that he comes from aristocracy or nobility. A parallel to Gravina leaving the aristocracy to join the Navy is found in the fact that Doflamingo has been shown to have been in less favorable conditions in his youth. In fact, Gravina was originally from Sicily and it can be assumed that Doflamingo might not have been from Dressorsa originally.
France was led by Pierre-Charles Villeneuve. Trafalgar Law is present on Greenbit. Villeneuve came from aristocracy but favored the French Rebellion. We do not have much information on Law's past, however it can be assumed his childhood was in better conditions than most. This is due to him being shown to be in better clothing than most child versions of other characters.
Although the French and Spanish were in an alliance, Law and Doflamingo are portrayed to be in opposition of one another. This may be justified by their mysterious past affiliation. Fujitora appears to be angered over the fact that Doflamingo used his powers in such a manner for such a gain. He also appears to have intentions of opposing Law's actions as well.
The theory itself is relatively simple, however it can be expanded upon several times. I will use Levels to determine the plausibility of that particular extent of the theory. Note that most of the following is supported with facts from the Battle of Trafalgar afterwards.
LEVEL 1
Fujitora and the Marines overpower both Doflamingo and Law.
LEVEL 2
Doflamingo manages to escape, with Caesar. Law gets captured by the Marines.
LEVEL 3
Doflamingo and Caesar, after escaping, meet with the Straw Hats, who have also made there way out of harm.
LEVEL 4
After Law is taken back to the World Government/Marines, he is released due to his Shichibukai status.
LEVEL 5
During the battle, Fujitora is mortally wounded or wounded.
Now, to justify this theory, and its components, I will call upon the events of the Battle of Trafalgar. Each level of the theory will be justified in a similar fashion.
LEVEL 1
Britain defeated France and Spain in this battle. "The British victory spectacularly confirmed the naval supremacy that Britain had established during the previous century and was achieved in part through Nelson's departure from the prevailing naval tactical orthodoxy…" (Wikipedia)
Fujitora wished to uphold the Marines' "supremacy" and pride over the previous years, which was already hurt by the Whitebeard War. Also, he departed from orthodox strategies by attacking allies of the World Government/Marines.
It is important to note that, "During the battle Gravina, in his flagship Principe de Asturias, found himself attacked by three British ships at once. " (Wikipedia) Fujitora requested for 3 Marine ships to come to Dressrosa/Greenbit.
LEVEL 2
"Spanish Admiral Federico Gravina escaped with the remnant of the fleet…" (Wikipedia)
The Straw Hats, including Caeser, may be representative of the ten ships Gravina gathered.
LEVEL 4
"The British sent Villeneuve to England but released him on parole…" (Wikipedia)
Usopp anyone?
Now, although much of the theory seems ridiculous, it was only brought up because of the historical evidence that is present to support such a theory. It is also possible that, despite the aforementioned attributes of France and Spain, the role of Law and Doflamingo in this theory can be switched. This is because, it makes more sense, within the context of the story, for Law to meet up with the Straw Hats and Caesar while Doflamingo is captured and released.
This is all theory, take it how you will. Intentional or not, it was fun to dig through history and relate it to One Piece. We thank you for your time.
-MJM & Shino'sDad
tl;dr This battle is basically the Battle of Trafalgar. Oda knows history. Oda is a genius.
