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The Influence of Sea Power Upon History, 1660-1783 (Dover Military History, Weapons, Armor) Paperback – November 1, 1987
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This book was the work of noted U.S. naval officer and historian Alfred Mahan (1840–1914), who argued that despite great changes and scientific advances in naval weaponry, certain principle of naval strategy remain constant, and nations ignore them at their peril. Credited with stimulating the growth of modern navies in leading countries of the world, the text remains a basic authority on the strategy of naval warfare and is still used in the war colleges.
Demonstrating through historical examples that the rise and fall of seapower (and of nations) has always been linked with commercial and military command of the seas, Mahan describes successful naval strategies employed in the past — from Greek and Roman times through the Napoleonic wars. Focusing primarily on England's rise as a sea power in the 18th century, the book provides not only an overview of naval tactics, but a lucid exposition of geographical, economic, and social factors governing the maintenance of sea power.
The work is carefully written and exceptionally well-documented; moreover, the author's clear, well-thought-out text avoids technical language, making it accessible to a nonprofessional audience. In addition, four maps and a profusion of plans of naval battles help the reader grasp the strategy and tactics involved in some of the history's greatest maritime conflicts. In this inexpensive edition, the book represents an indispensable sourcebook for statesmen, diplomats, strategists, and naval commanders as well as students of history and international affairs. Although ships, weapons, and the global balance of power have altered greatly since 1890, the lessons taught here so vividly and compellingly are still applicable today. Includes 4 maps, 24 battle plans.
- Print length656 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherDover Publications
- Publication dateNovember 1, 1987
- Dimensions5.51 x 1.38 x 8.54 inches
- ISBN-100486255093
- ISBN-13978-0486255095
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Product details
- Publisher : Dover Publications; Revised ed. edition (November 1, 1987)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 656 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0486255093
- ISBN-13 : 978-0486255095
- Item Weight : 1.46 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.51 x 1.38 x 8.54 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #539,899 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #959 in History of Civilization & Culture
- #1,115 in Naval Military History
- #2,474 in Art History (Books)
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This is some weeks after the previous entry. I competed the volume and I was more than gratified. Admiral Mahon's Masterpiece has the right title "THE INFLUENCE OF SEA POWER ON HISTORY." Several instances of how control of the Sea In the Punic Wars between Carthage and Rome, allowed the latter to prevail, forcing Carthaginian General Hannibal into the Alps and while he defeated Roman Armies, he could not subdue Rome itself, because, Hannibal could not be re-supplied from North Africa. In other words, the tactical success that the Carthaginian achieved on the battlefield could not be translated into "strategic decision" because Rome was in control of the waters around Italy.
It is this type of example with which Admiral Mahon constructed his own narrative. Starting in 1660 and proceeding till 1783, Mahon describes a contest between a diminishing Spain, a vibrant but diminutive Holland, and then England and France. France under the Reign of Louis XIV had a navy on par with that of England but the Sun King turned his attention to more continental concerns, and the French Navy was allowed to languish. For the remainder of the Book, the Royal Navy was kept on a consistent track. On the several occasions, when the French tried to challenge the English, in Canada, in the waters off India, and finally off Yorktown. Yorktown, as the strategic campaign of the War of the American Revolution, was decided by sea power. French sea power, as it was but that only because the French fleet was able to take station in the Chesapeake Bay opposite Yorktown, forcing Cornwallis' capitulation.
The conclusions from this work is that, by virtue of her control of the sea, England was able to expand he options. That other powers reacted to her as opposed to England reacting to others. Trafalgar was not mentioned in detail but that battle ensured that Napoleon would be checked. The Nineteenth Century is thus referred to as the PAX BRTINNIA.
Admiral Mahon was writing at the inflection point between the end of sail and the onset of steam. With steam, one no longer has to be tied to the vagaries of the wind. However, wind or no wind, whichever nation can enforce its interests and protect its commerce, will be the one that ensures its own destiny.
It's a highly analytical read and it makes one consider what happened in WW II when it was the US versus Japan. And, in this day and age, it makes one consider its implications when you consider China's creeping hegemony in SE Asia. Well, as Santayana said, "Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it." A sobering thought for these times.
As Churchill once said, "The terrible ifs of history accumulate", so what if this had not been published? Maybe, no GB versus Germany naval rivalry; maybe Britain stays out of a continental war in 1914 resulting in a German victory over France and Imperial Russia; maybe, no US involvement in WW I but also, maybe a 1920s or 1930s war with Japan. Yes, the terrible ifs accumulate. So, the book's subject matter is one thing, but it's implications to the world are the main things to consider even 130 years after its publication. A sobering thought.
Top reviews from other countries
The font used is tiny and there are few gaps to relieve the eye. Many pages are simply composed of a mass of print.
The illustrations are few and far between and comprise only of grey scale drawings and ink sketches.
Very disappointing, would suggest a completely revised edition with the above pints in mind
Have heard about this book for years, especially when on exchange duty with the United States Navy. Understand it is part of Officer Training Required Reading.
Have read and re-read the book, its suprising that it takes an American naval captain to encapsulate British Royal Naval history.
If you are at all interested in naval actions and battles this is a MUST.









