The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1890), by Alfred Thayer Mahan, is a classic treatise on naval warfare and how its effective deployment changed the course of history. Featured are: the English and French wars against the Netherlands (1665-1667, 1672-1674, 1674-1678); War of the League of Augsburg (1688-1697); War of the Spanish Succession (1702-1713); War of the Polish Succession; War of Jenkins' Ear (1715-1739); War of the Austrian Succession (1740); Seven Years' War (1756-1763); American Revolution; European wars (1779-1782) and naval engagements in the East and West Indies (1778-1783). [please see Table of Contents for more detail] Originally published in 1890 while Mahan was teaching at the US Naval War College, this work was the primary motivation for a massive upgrade of the United States Navy under the direction of Theodore Roosevelt (a competent naval historian in his own right). 1890 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Alfred Thayer Mahan Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan (27 September 1840 - 1 December 1914) was a United States Navy officer, geostrategist, and educator, widely considered the worlds foremost theorist of military sea power. ... A treatise is a systematic analysis of a certain subject. ... Naval warfare is combat in and on seas and oceans. ... Wikimedia Commons has media related to: England Travel guide to England from Wikitravel English language English law English (people) List of monarchs of England – Kings of England family tree List of English people Angeln (region in northern Germany, presumably the origin of the Angles for whom England is named) UK... The War of the Grand Alliance (also known as the War of the League of Augsburg, the War of the English Succession, and the Nine Years War) was a major war fought in Europe and America from 1688 to 1697, between France and the League of Augsburg (which, by 1689... Charles II was the last Habsburg King of Spain. ... The War of the Polish Succession (1733-1738) was a European war and a Polish civil war, with considerable interference from other countries, to determine the succession to Augustus II, King of Poland, as well as an attempt by the Bourbon powers to check the power of Austria in western... The War of Jenkins Ear was a conflict between Great Britain and Spain that lasted from 1739 to 1748. ... The War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748). ... The Seven Years War, sometimes referred to as the Pomeranian War or the French and Indian War, (1754 and 1756–1763) pitted Great Britain, Prussia, and Hanover against France, Austria, Russia, Sweden, and Saxony. ... The American Revolution is the series of events, ideas, and changes that resulted in the political separation of thirteen colonies in North America from the British Empire and the creation of the United States of America. ... The Indies, on the display globe of the Field Museum, Chicago The Indies or East Indies (or East India) is a term used to describe lands of South and South-East Asia, occupying all of the former British India, the present Indian Union, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and... The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... Logo of the Naval War College The Naval War College (NWC) of the United States Navy is an education and research institution that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. ... The United States Navy (USN) is the branch of the United States armed forces responsible for naval operations. ... Theodore Roosevelt (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) was the 26th (1901–09) President of the United States. ...

Contents

Introduction

I. History of Sea Power one of contest between nations, therefore largely military

II. Permanence of the teachings of history

III. Unsettled condition of modern naval opinion

IV. Contrasts between historical classes of war-ships

V. Essential distinction between weather and lee gage

VI. Analogous to other offensive and defensive positions

VII. Consequent effect upon naval policy

VIII. Lessons of history apply especially to strategy

VIX. Less obviously to tactics, but still applicable

X. Naval strategic combinations surer now than formerly Wide scope of naval strategy

Chapter 1: Discussion of the Elements of sea power

In the first chapter, he mentions:

• The sea a great common resource
• Advantages of water-carriage over that by land
• Navies exist for the protection of commerce
• Dependence of commerce upon secure seaports
• Development of colonies and colonial posts
• Links in the chain of Sea Power: production, shipping, colonies

The general conditions at affect Sea Power are: This article refers to a colony in politics and history. ...

I. Geographical position

II. Physical conformation

III. Extent of territory

IV. Number of population

V. National character

VI. Character and policy of governments - England - Holland - France

- Influence of colonies on Sea Power Mahan also writes about the United States of America:

• The United States; its weakness in Sea Power
• Its chief interest in internal development
• Danger from blockades
• Dependence of the navy upon the shipping interest

Chapter 2 - The State of Europe in 1660

In this chapter, Mahan talks about: A satellite composite image of Europe // Etymology Picture of Europa, carried away by bull-shaped Zeus. ...

• Second Anglo-Dutch War, 1665-1667.
• Sea Battles of Lowestoft and of the Four Days.
• Accession of Charles II and Louis XIV
• This was followed shortly by other general types of wars
• French policy formulated by Henry IV and Richelieu Condition of France in 1660
• Condition of Spain Condition of the Dutch United Provinces
• Their commerce and colonies Character of their government Parties in the State Condition of England in 1660 Characteristics of French, English, and Dutch ships Conditions of other European States Louis XIV.
• The leading personality in Europe His policy Colbert's administrative acts Second Anglo-Dutch War, 1665 Battle of Lowestoft, 1665 Fire-ships, compared with torpedo-cruisers
• The group formation of ships
• The order of battle for sailing-ships The Four Days Battle, 1666 Military merits of the opposing fleets
• Soldiers commanding fleets, discussion Ruyter in the Thames, 1667 Peace of Breda, 1667 Military value of commerce-destroying

The Royal Prince and other vessels at the Four Days Fight, 11–14 June 1666 by Abraham Storck depicts a battle of the Second Anglo-Dutch War. ... The Battle of Lowestoft, 13 June 1665, showing HMS Royal Charles and the Eendracht by Hendrik van Minderhout, painted c. ... The Four Days Fight, 11–14 June 1666 by Pieter Cornelisz van Soest, painted c. ... Charles II (29 May 1630–6 February 1685) was the King of England, King of Scots, and King of Ireland from 30 January 1649 (retrospectively de jure) or 29 May 1660 (de facto) until his death. ... For the musical group of the same name, see Louis XIV (band). ... The Battle of Lowestoft, 13 June 1665, showing HMS Royal Charles and the Eendracht by Hendrik van Minderhout, painted c. ... This article is not about the fireboats that fight fire Defeat of the Spanish Armada, 1588-08-08 by Philippe-Jacques de Loutherbourg, painted 1796, depicts Drakes fire ship attack on the Spanish Armada. ... A torpedo in Rail terminology refers to a small explosive device strapped to the top of the rail to alert an approaching train of immediate danger ahead. ... The Treaty of Breda was signed at the Dutch city of Breda, July 31, 1667, by England, the Dutch Republic, France, and Denmark. ...

Chapter 3 - War of England and France in Alliance against the United Provinces, 1672-1674

*Finally, of France against Combined Europe, 1674-1678. Sea Battles of Solebay, the Texel, and Stromboli.

• Aggressions of Louis XIV. on Spanish Netherlands Policy of the United Provinces
• Triple alliance between England, Holland, and Sweden Anger of Louis XIV Leibnitz proposes to Louis to seize Egypt
• His memorial
• Bargaining between Louis XIV and Charles II
• The two kings declare war against the United Provinces Military character of this war
• Naval strategy of the Dutch Tactical combinations of De Ruyter Inefficiency of Dutch naval administration Battle of Solebay, 1672
• Tactical comments
• Effect of the battle on the course of the war
• Land campaign of the French in Holland
• Murder of John De Witt, Grand Pensionary of Holland
• Accession to power of William of Orange
• Uneasiness among European States
• Naval battles off Schoneveldt (1673 Naval battle of the Texel)
• Effect upon the general war
• Equivocal action of the French fleet
• General ineffectiveness of maritime coalitions
• Military character of De Ruyter Coalition against France
• Peace between England and the United Provinces
• Sicilian revolt against Spain Battle of Stromboli
• [De Ruyter] killed off [Agosta]
• England becomes hostile to France
• Sufferings of the United Provinces
• Peace of Nimeguen
• 1678 Effects of the war on France and Holland
• [Notice of Comte D'Estrees]

A pensionary was a name given to the leading functionary and legal adviser of the principal town corporations in the Netherlands because they received a salary, or pension. ...

Chapter 4 - English Revolution

• War of the League of Augsburg, 1688-1697 Sea Battles of Beach Head and La Hogue
• Aggressive policy of Louis XIV State of French, English, and Dutch navies
• Accession of James II
• Formation of the League of Augsburg
• Louis declares war against the Emperor of Germany
• Revolution in England
• Louis declares war against the United Provinces
• William and Mary crowned
• James II. lands in Ireland
• Misdirection of French naval forces
• William III lands in Ireland
• Naval battle of Beachy Head, 1690 Tourville's military character
• Battle of the Boyne, 1690
• End of the struggle in Ireland
• Naval battle of La Hougue, 1692 Destruction of French ships
• Influence of Sea Power in this war
• Attack and defence of commerce
• Peculiar characteristics of French privateering
• Peace of Ryswick, 1697 Exhaustion of France

Chapter 5 - War of the Spanish Succession

• 1702-1713 Sea Battle of Malaga
• Failure of the Spanish line of the House of Austria
• King of Spain wills the succession to the Duke of Anjou
• Death of the King of Spain
• Louis XIV accepts the bequests
• He seizes towns in Spanish Netherlands
• Offensive alliance between England, Holland, and Austria
• Declarations of war
• The allies proclaim Carlos III King of Spain
• Affair of the Vigo galleons
• Portugal joins the allies
• Character of the naval warfare
• Capture of Gibraltar by the English
• Naval battle of Malaga
• 1704 Decay of the French navy
• Progress of the land war
• Allies seize Sardinia and Minorca
• Disgrace of Marlborough
• England offers terms of peace
• Peace of Utrecht
• 1713 Terms of the peace
• Results of the war to the different belligerents
• Commanding position of Great Britain
• Sea Power dependent upon both commerce and naval strength
• Peculiar position of France as regards to Sea Power
• Depressed condition of France Commercial prosperity of England
• Ineffectiveness of commerce-destroying
• Duguay-Trouin's expedition against Rio de Janeiro
• 1711 War between Russia and Sweden

Marlborough (pronounced Maulbruh - /ˈmɔːlbɹə/ in IPA) is a market town in the English county of Wiltshire on the Old Bath Road, the old main road from London to Bath. ...

Chapter 6 - The Regency in France, Alberoni in Spain Policies of Walpole and Fleuri War of the Polish Succession, English Contraband Trade in Spanish America, Great Britain Declares War against Spain, 1715-1739

• Death of Queen Anne and Louis XIV
• Accession of George I
• Regency of Philip of Orleans
• Administration of Alberoni in Spain
• Spaniards invade Sardinia Alliance of Austria, England, Holland, and France Spaniards invade Sicily Destruction of Spanish navy off Cape Passaro, 1718 Failure and dismissal of Alberoni Spain accepts terms Great Britain interferes in the Baltic Death of Philip of Orleans Administration of Fleuri in France Growth of French commerce France in the East Indies Troubles between England and Spain English contraband trade in Spanish America Illegal search of English ships Walpole's struggles to preserve peace War of the Polish Succession Creation of the Bourbon kingdom of the Two Sicilies Bourbon family compact France acquires Bar and Lorraine England declares war against Spain Morality of the English action toward Spain Decay of the French navy Death of Walpole and of Fleuri

• VII - War between Great Britain and Spain, 1739 War of the Austrian Succession, 1740 France Joins Spain against Great Britain, 1744 Sea Battles of Matthews, Anson and Hawke Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, 1748

Characteristics of the wars from 1739 to 1783 Neglect of the navy by French government Colonial possessions of the French, English, and Spaniards Dupleix and La Bourdonnais in India Condition of the contending navies Expeditions of Vernon and Anson Outbreak of the War of the Austrian Succession England allies herself to Austria Naval affairs in the Mediterranean Influence of Sea Power on the war Naval battle off Toulon, 1744 Causes of English failure Courts-martial following the action Inefficient action of English navy Capture of Louisburg by New England colonists, 1745 Causes which concurred to neutralize England's Sea Power France overruns Belgium and invades Holland Naval actions of Anson and Hawke Brilliant defence of Commodore l'Etenduere Projects of Dupleix and La Bourdonnais in the East Indies Influence of Sea Power in Indian affairs La Bourdonnais reduces Madras Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, 1748 Madras exchanged for Louisburg Results of the war Effect of Sea Power on the issue

• VIII - Seven Years' War, 1756-1763 England's Overwhelming Power and Conquests on the Seas in North America, Europe, and East and West Indies Sea Battles: Byng off Minorca; Hawke and Conflans; Pocock and D'Aché in East Indies

Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle leaves many questions unsettled Dupleix pursues his aggressive policy He is recalled from India His policy abandoned by the French Agitation in North America Braddock's expedition, 1755 Seizure of French ships by the English, while at peace French expedition against Port Mahon, 1756 Byng sails to relieve the place Byng's action off Port Mahon, 1756 Characteristics of the French naval policy Byng returns to Gibraltar He is relieved, tried by court-martial, and shot Formal declarations of war by England and France England's appreciation of the maritime character of the war France is drawn into a continental struggle The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) begins Pitt becomes Prime Minister of England Operations in North America Fall of Louisburg, 1758 Fall of Quebec, 1759, and of Montreal, 1760 Influence of Sea Power on the continental war English plans for the general naval operations Choiseul becomes Minister in France He plans an invasion of England Sailing of the Toulon fleet, 1759 Its disastrous encounter with Boscawen Consequent frustration of the invasion of England Project to invade Scotland Sailing of the Brest fleet Hawke falls in with it and disperses it, 1759 Accession of Charles III. to Spanish throne Death of George II Clive in India Battle of Plassey, 1757 Decisive influence of Sea Power upon the issues in India Naval actions between Pocock and D'Aché, 1758, 1759 Destitute condition of French naval stations in India

• IX - Course of Events from the Peace of Paris to 1778 Maritime War Consequent upon the American Revolution Sea Battle off Ushant

French discontent with the Treaty of Paris Revival of the French navy Discipline among French naval officers of the time Choiseul's foreign policy Domestic troubles in Great Britain Controversies with the North American colonies The French fleet abandons the struggle Final fall of the French power in India Ruined condition of the French navy Alliance between France and Spain England declares war against Spain Rapid conquest of French and Spanish colonies French and Spaniards invade Portugal The invasion repelled by England Severe reverses of the Spaniards in all quarters Spain sues for peace Losses of British mercantile shipping Increase of British commerce Commanding position of Great Britain Relations of England and Portugal Terms of the Treaty of Paris Opposition to the treaty in Great Britain Results of the maritime war Results of the continental war Influence of Sea Power in countries politically unstable Interest of the United States in the Central American Isthmus Effects of the Seven Years' War on the later history of Great Britain Subsequent acquisitions of Great Britain British success due to maritime superiority Mutual dependence of seaports and fleets

• X - Maritime War in North America and West Indies, 1778-1781 its Influence upon the Course of the American Revolution Fleet Actions off Grenada, Dominica and Chesapeake Bay

D'Estaing sails from Toulon for Delaware Bay, 1778 British ordered to evacuate Philadelphia Rapidity of Lord Howe's movements D'Estaing arrives too late Follows Howe to New York Fails to attack there and sails for Newport Howe follows him there Both fleets dispersed by a storm D'Estaing takes his fleet to Boston Howe's activity foils D'Estaing at all points D'Estaing sails for the West Indies The English seize Sta. Lucia Ineffectual attempts of D'Estaing to dislodge them D'Estaing captures Grenada Naval battle of Grenada, 1779; English ships crippled D'Estaing fails to improve his advantages Reasons for his neglect French naval policy English operations in the Southern States D'Estaing takes his fleet to Savannah His fruitless assault on Savannah D'Estaing returns to France Fall of Charleston De Guichen takes command in the West Indies Rodney arrives to command English fleet His military character First action between Rodney and De Guichen, 1780 Breaking the line Subsequent movements of Rodney and De Guichen Rodney divides his fleet Goes in person to New York De Guichen returns to France Arrival of French forces in Newport Rodney returns to the West Indies War between England and Holland Disasters to the United States in 1780 De Grasse sails from Brest for the West Indies, 1781 Engagement with English fleet off Martinique. Cornwallis overruns the Southern States He retires upon Wilmington, N. C., and thence to Virginia Arnold on the James River The French fleet leaves Newport to intercept Arnold Meets the English fleet off the Chesapeake, 1781 French fleet returns to Newport Cornwallis occupies Yorktown De Grasse sails from Hayti for the Chesapeake Action with the British fleet, 1781 Surrender of Cornwallis, 1781 Criticism of the British naval operations Energy and address shown by De Grasse Difficulties of Great Britain's position in the war of 1778. The military policy best fitted to cope with them Position of the French squadron in Newport, R. I., 1780. Great Britain's defensive position and inferior numbers. Consequent necessity for a vigorous initiative Washington's opinions as to the influence of Sea Power on the American contest

• XI - Maritime War in Europe, 1779-1782

Objectives of the allied operations in Europe Spain declares war against England Allied fleets enter the English Channel, 1779 Abortive issue of the cruise Rodney sails with supplies for Gibraltar Defeats the Spanish squadron of Langara and relieves the place The allies capture a great British convoy The armed neutrality of the Baltic powers, 1780 England declares war against Holland Gibraltar is revictualled by Admiral Derby The allied fleets again in the Channel, 1781 They retire without effecting any damage to England Destruction of a French convoy for the West Indies Fall of Port Mahon, 1782 The allied fleets assemble at Algesiras Grand attack of the allies on Gibraltar, which fails, 1782 Lord Howe succeeds in revictualling Gibraltar Action between his fleet and that of the allies Conduct of the war of 1778 by the English government Influence of Sea Power Proper use of the naval force

• XII - Events in the East Indies, 1778-1781 Suffren Sails from Brest for India, 1781 His Brilliant Naval Campaign in the Indian Seas, 1782, 1783

Neglect of India by the French government England at war with Mysore and with the Mahrattas Arrival of the French squadron under Comte d'Orves It effects nothing and returns to the Isle of France Suffren sails from Brest with five ships-of-the-line, 1781 Attacks an English squadron in the Cape Verde Islands, 1781 Conduct and results of this attack Distinguishing merits of Suffren as a naval leader Suffren saves the Cape Colony from the English He reaches the Isle of France Succeeds to the chief command of the French fleet Meets the British squadron under Hughes at Madras Analysis of the naval strategic situation in India The first battle between Suffren and Hughes, Feb. 17, 1782 Suffren's views of the naval situation in India Tactical oversights made by Suffren Inadequate support received by him from his captains Suffren goes to Pondicherry, Hughes to Trincomalee The second battle between Suffren and Hughes, April 12, 1782 Suffren's tactics in the action Relative injuries received by the opposing fleets Contemporaneous English criticisms upon Hughes's conduct Destitute condition of Suffren's fleet His activity and success in supplying wants He communicates with Hyder Ali, Sultan of Mysore Firmness and insight shown by Suffren His refusal to obey orders from home to leave the Indian Coast The third battle between Suffren and Hughes, July 6, 1782 Qualities shown by Hughes Stubborn fighting by the British admiral and captains Suffren deprives three captains of their commands Dilatory conduct of Admiral Hughes Suffren attacks and takes Trincomalee Strategic importance of this success Comparative condition of the two fleets in material for repairs The English government despatches powerful reinforcements The French court fails to support Suffren The fourth battle between Suffren and Hughes, Sept. 3, 1782 Mismanagement and injuries of the French Contrast between the captains in the opposing fleets Two ships of Suffren's fleet grounded and lost Arrival of British reinforcements under Admiral Bickerton Approach of bad-weather season; Hughes goes to Bombay Military situation of French and English in India Delays of the French reinforcements under Bussy Suffren takes his fleet to Achem, in Sumatra He returns to the Indian coast Arrival of Bussy Decline of the French power on shore The English besiege Bussy in Cuddalore by land and sea Suffren relieves the place The fifth battle between Suffren and Hughes, June 20, 1783 Decisive character of Suffren's action News of the peace received at Madras Suffren sails for France His flattering reception everywhere His distinguishing military qualities His later career and death

• XIII - Events in the West Indies after the Surrender of Yorktown Encounters of De Grasse with Hood The Sea Battle of the Saints 1781-1782

Maritime struggle transferred from the continent to West Indies De Grasse sails for the islands French expedition against the island of St. Christopher, January, 1782 Hood attempts to relieve the garrison Manoeuvres of the two fleets Action between De Grasse and Hood Hood seizes the anchorage left by De Grasse De Grasse attacks Hood at his anchorage Hood maintains his position Surrender of the garrison and island Merits of Hood's action Criticism upon De Grasse's conduct Rodney arrives in West Indies from England Junction of Rodney and Hood at Antigua De Grasse returns to Martinique Allied plans to capture Jamaica Rodney takes his station at Sta. Lucia The French fleet sails and is pursued by Rodney Action of April 9, 1782 Criticism upon the action The chase continued; accidents to French ships The naval battle of the Saints, April 12, 1782 Rodney breaks the French line Capture of the French commander-in-chief and five ships-of-the-line Details of the action Analysis of the effects of Rodney's manoeuvre Tactical bearing of improvements in naval equipment Lessons of this short naval campaign Rodney's failure to pursue the French fleet Examination of his reasons and of the actual conditions Probable effect of this failure upon the conditions of peace Rodney's opinions upon the battle of April 12 Successes achieved by Rodney during his command He is recalled by a new ministry Exaggerated view of the effects of this battle upon the war Subsequent career of De Grasse Court-martial ordered upon the officers of the French fleet Findings of the court De Grasse appeals against the finding He is severely rebuked by the king Deaths of De Grasse, Rodney, and Hood

• XIV - Critical Discussion of the Maritime War of 1778

The war of 1778 purely maritime Peculiar interest therefore attaching to it Successive steps in the critical study of a war Distinction between "object" and "objective" Parties to the war of 1778 Objects of the different belligerents Foundations of the British Empire of the seas Threatened by the revolt of the colonies The British fleet inferior in numbers to the allies Choice of objectives Fleets indicated as the keys of the situation everywhere Elements essential to an active naval war The bases of operations in the war of 1778 In Europe On the American continent In the West Indies In the East Indies Strategic bearing of the trade-winds and monsoons The bases abroad generally deficient in resources Consequent increased importance of the communications The navies the guardians of the communications Need of intermediate ports between Europe and India Inquiry into the disposition of the naval forces Difficulty of obtaining information at sea Perplexity as to the destination of a naval expedition Disadvantages of the defensive England upon the defensive in 1778 Consequent necessity for wise and vigorous action The key of the situation British naval policy in the Napoleonic wars British naval policy in the Seven Years' War Difficulties attending this policy Disposition of the British navy in the war of 1778 Resulting inferiority on many critical occasions Effect of the navy of the failure to fortify naval bases The distribution of the British navy exposes it to being out-numbered at many points The British naval policy in 1778 and in other wars compared Naval policy of the allies Divergent counsels of the coalition "Ulterior objects" The allied navies systematically assume a defensive attitude Dangers of this line of action Glamour of commerce-destroying The conditions of peace, 1783.